Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Figure 2 in the online paper illustrates changes in tree cover from 2000 to 2012 in four geographic areas around the world. Review the figure to familiarize yourself with the different colors depicted in the images.

1. This region shows almost no forest gain and a large portion of forest loss, most likely due to deforestation for the development of agricultural practices. PARAGUAY (CENTRAL SOUTH AMERICA) 2. Even with extensive areas of forest gain and combined gain and loss, this region experienced significant forest loss during the time period. INDONESIA (SOUTHEAST ASIA) 3. This region shows the most indications of managed forestry due to loss and subsequent gain of forest in the same areas. (ARKANSAS (SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES) 4. This region shows distinct regions of forest loss and forest gain, most likely due to fire and fire recovery, respectively. CENTRAL RUSSIA (NORTHERN ASIA)

In this study, Hansen et al. used satellite imagery (Landsat) to map global-scale forest cover changes from 2000 to 2012 at high spatial resolution. Prior to this study, it was not possible to quantify the change in forest cover over time to this level of resolution. Why is this study important to so many countries?

Countries that lack access to initial forest cover data can utilize the data from this study to inform national forest monitoring and management strategies.

Using satellite imaging, the researchers determined how forests change in different countries and biomes and were able to investigate major causes of forest change. One major goal of this large-area forest cover mapping was producing globally consistent analyses that are relevant and useful to local agencies interested in monitoring forest change for management and conservation. Select all the statements representing key results from this study.

- Brazil historically has had high rates of deforestation, but this study revealed that Brazil had the largest decline in annual forest loss. - Russia lost the most forest cover from 2000 to 2012. - This study revealed that subtropical forests had a low ratio of forest loss to gain due to forests being harvested as crops and replanted. - This study revealed drastic reductions in forest cover in southern Sweden and southwestern France due to severe weather events. - When comparing different biomes, this study found that the tropics were the only domain that showed an increasing rate of forest loss from 2000-2012.

Seed plants originated about 360 million years ago. As these plants became established, they expanded into a wide range of terrestrial environments. As a result of this plant evolution, forests began to develop and provide vital ecosystem services, such as carbon storage, biodiversity, medicine, recreation, and water and air purification. There are two main forest types. Boreal forests are primarily composed of gymnosperms (naked seed plants). Deciduous forests are primarily composed of angiosperms (enclosed seed plants). The gymnosperm and angiosperm trees in these forests exhibit several adaptations for life in a terrestrial setting. Drag the terms on the left to the appropriate blanks on the right to complete the sentences.

Gymnosperms and angiosperms produce POLLEN that is carried by wind and other organisms, replacing the need for water for fertilization. Gymnosperm leaves have relatively thick CUTICLES and small surface areas due to their needle-shape, suiting them to arid terrestrial conditions. Angiosperms have FLOWERS that attract organisms to help pollinate and distribute seeds. A highly reduced GAMETOPHYTE generation helps the plant cope with dehydration and UV radiation exposure. SEEDS are small, compact structures containing an embryo and nutrients with a protective coat that can be easily dispersed by wind, water, or other means.

One of the most important science practices is analyzing and interpreting graphical representations of data. Such representations and analyses can help bring out the meaning in the data.

Indonesia lost an estimated 1,021 km2 more forest each year than the preceding year. TRUE Because the correlation value is negative, Brazil is gaining forest faster than it is losing forest. FALSE Indonesia has more forest management practices in place as compared to Brazil. FALSE Overall, Indonesia loses less forest per year than Brazil. TRUE Based on the trendline, Brazil's rate of annual forest loss decreased each year. TRUE