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Year 10
Edexcel B

Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest

I can understand that tropical rainforests are indirectly threatened by climate change.

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest

I can understand that tropical rainforests are indirectly threatened by climate change.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Climate change is affecting tropical rainforests.
  2. How is climate change an indirect threat to tropical rainforests (ecosystem stress, drought).

Keywords

  • Climate change - a long-term shift in temperature, rainfall and weather patterns which has had natural causes in the past but is now due to human activities

  • Indirect - effects or consequences that are not immediately caused by an event or action but happen as a result of it

  • Threat - something that poses a danger or harm to an environment, species or ecosystem

Common misconception

Climate change has not impacted tropical rainforests as temperature and rainfall patterns have remained the same.

Climate change has affected tropical rainforests by increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of droughts. For example, the Amazon rainforest experienced its worst recorded drought in 2023.


To help you plan your year 10 geography lesson on: Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

GIS can track changes in rainfall patterns and temperature in tropical rainforest areas, allowing students to see how climate change is altering these vital factors. This can be linked to droughts, forest fires, and the overall health of the rainforest.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Where are tropical rainforests mainly found?
Near the poles
In temperate regions
Correct answer: Between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn
In dry desert areas
Q2.
What is the climate like in a tropical rainforest?
Hot and dry all year
Cold with occasional snow
Correct answer: Warm and wet all year
Seasonal, with hot summers and cold winters
Q3.
Which of the following is a characteristic of rainforest soil?
Correct answer: Thin, nutrient-poor soil
Thick, fertile soil
Dry and rocky soil
Frozen soil
Q4.
What is the emergent layer of a rainforest?
The layer where most animals live
Correct answer: The top layer with the tallest trees
The bottom layer with shrubs and insects
The middle layer with small trees
Q5.
Which of the following is a plant adaptation in tropical rainforests?
Thick, waxy leaves to reduce water loss
Deep roots to reach underground water
Correct answer: Drip-tip leaves to shed excess water
Small leaves to reduce sun exposure
Q6.
How have sloths adapted to rainforest life?
They hunt in large groups
Correct answer: They move slowly and have algae-covered fur
They migrate to cooler areas
They burrow underground for protection

4 Questions

Q1.
How does climate change impact rainfall patterns in rainforests?
Increases rainfall consistently throughout the year
Decreases humidity levels, making rainforests cooler
Has no impact on rainfall patterns
Correct answer: Causes unpredictable rainfall and longer dry seasons
Q2.
What is a major consequence of rising temperatures in rainforests?
Increased tree growth
Correct answer: More frequent wildfires
Expansion of rainforests
Increase in biodiversity
Q3.
change has affected tropical rainforests by increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of droughts.
Correct Answer: Climate
Q4.
Why does deforestation make rainforests more vulnerable to climate change?
Correct answer: It disrupts local climates and increases CO₂ emissions
It increases carbon absorption
It improves soil fertility
It helps rainforests regenerate faster