Question
In order to expand agriculture and stimulate a sagging economy, the Brazilian government eased environmental laws which allowed large tracts of rainforest to be cut down or burned. In three to five sentences, construct a potential chain of consequences for what can happen as a result of this kind of deforestation. The chain does not have to be linear (i.e., five steps in a row), but can have several branches, one for each different potential consequence. Your chain should include at least four steps, including the original event.(4 points)
Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.
The answer is fully supported by details.
There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
3
The answer is mostly clear.
The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.
There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
2
The answer is somewhat clear.
Details are weak or not related.
There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
1
The answer is not clear.
There are few or no supporting details.
There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
0 The question is not answered.
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There are several potential consequences of deforestation in the Brazilian rainforest:
1. Loss of biodiversity: The destruction of large tracts of rainforest leads to the loss of habitat for countless species of plants and animals. This can result in the extinction of certain species and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.
2. Climate change: The Brazilian rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. The trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere and release oxygen. With fewer trees, there is less capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and exacerbating climate change.
3. Soil erosion and decreased fertility: The removal of trees and vegetation can result in increased soil erosion. Without the roots of trees to hold the soil in place, heavy rains can wash away topsoil, leading to decreased fertility and more difficulty for farmers to grow crops in the long term.
4. Displacement of indigenous communities: Many indigenous communities in the Brazilian rainforest rely on the forest for their livelihood and cultural practices. Deforestation can result in the displacement of these communities and the loss of their traditional way of life.
These consequences can have far-reaching impacts, not only in Brazil but also globally, and highlight the importance of protecting the rainforest and finding sustainable alternatives to deforestation.