Brazil and Costa Rica (week 3)
By: Makaylie Montague
What I have learned:
Week three I learned about Brazil and Costa Rica. I have learned about the rainforest and rivers in Brazil and Costa Rica, I have also learned about the devastating couses and effects of deforestation. Most importantly I have learned how I can make a difference in deforestation In Brazil and Costa Rica for the better.
Brazil:
Affect of Location (human environment):
Brazil is a huge country full of mountains and hills. Brazil contains huge amazons, which is the home to thousands of species. Brazil is also half surrounded by water which also affects human interactions.
Deforestation:
Animal endangered:
- The Golden Lion Tamarins- They weigh about 1 pound and live in groups around 2-9 monkeys. They eat fruits, lizards and insects and sleep in tree holes. Their habitat is small because they don't have enough land to call home.
Deforestation:
- Habitat loss- humans have destroyed over half of the earths rainforest. This is a huge threat to wildlife because they are losing food and places to live.
- Pollution- Oil, gas and human race are polluting places where animals live, the are very sensitive to this cause.
- Introduced species- When new species come to native wildlife they are often harmed. The native animals can't compete with new animals. This can cause extinction.
- Global warming- The water is getting warmer causing coral reefs to die. Many species eat coral reefs and use them for shelter.
- Farms- If they aren't run properly they can cause pollution, they also take valuable land. Farms can be very threatening.
- Hunting and poaching- People kill species for their fur, horns and meat. This causes extinction.
How we can help:
- Zoo safari- Educates kids about endangered animals and species.
- Read + write- Write a paper teaching people ways they can reserve wildlife. Share this paper with people, even your president and government. They have the power to save endangered animals.
- Park-it- People have created wildlife reserves to save animals from pollution. Visit and learn about the endangered species.
- Make a bird feeder- This gives birds a place to eat and communicate.
- Don't trash it- By recycling paper you are saving trees. This helps the species that depend on trees for shelter and food.
- Turn off the lights- This will decrease pollution.
Facts:
Facts about the rainforest in Brazil:
- 2,124sq. mi.
- 40,000 plants, animals and species
- 1/2 in Brazil
- Largest rainforest in the world
- The rainforest extends into Columbia, Peru and other south African countries.
Facts about the amozon river:
- 7th largest independent river
- Extends through the countries Columbia, Peru and Brazil
- Mouth of the River is in the Olympic ocean
- 4000 miles long
- The basin area is 2.772 million sq. mi.
Costa Rica
Affect of Location (human environment):
Costa Rica is a small country near the equator, so it is really hot. it is bordered by the ocean on both sides so there could be a lot of tsunamis that put people in danger.
Rainforests in South America map:
There is a tropical rainforest that exstends through the northeast side of Costa Rica.
How kids can make a difference:
- Kids can raise money to support wildlife preserves and organizations.
- People are teaching kids about deforestation so kids can make a difference.
- Some kids have dedicated their birthday to help.
- KSTR is an organization that helps deforestation.
- You can create your own campaign.
- Recycle paper to save trees.
There are a lot of simple ways kids can be apart of making a difference in deforestation.