PISA: Deforestation in the Amazon

Q1. Amina wants to know more about the history of deforestation in the Amazon. Since 60% of this rainforest is located in Brazil, so she decided to look at data from this country. Which of the following conclusions can Amina make based on the data from the graph above? (Select the best response.)

• The area newly deforested each year has steadily decreased from 1996 to 2020.

• The area newly deforested each year has steadily increased from 2005 to 2020.

• The area newly deforested each year initially increased and then decreased from 1997 to 2010.

• The area newly deforested each year initially decreased and then increased from 2012 to 2020.

Amina looked at years 2000 and 2004 in the graph from Question 1. Based on the data, she claimed that there would likely be more CO2 in the atmosphere in 2000 than in 2004. Is her claim accurate? Explain briefly, using data from the graph from these two years and your understanding of the role of CO2 in photosynthesis.

Q3. Amina learned that logging, or cutting down trees to use the wood for building or other

purposes, is one cause of deforestation. She also learned that fire severity increases in areas of the rainforest that have been logged.

Using the information above, circle the bold term below that best completes each statement. Amina looked at the graph below that shows data collected on the proportion of biomass loss as a result of fires of varying severity in the Amazon. Biomass is the total mass of living things in a given area.The point labeled as “C” on the graph represents a forested area that has / has not likely been logged. If the area of forest where “D” is located was originally 100 km2, the area where living things remain is equal to 30 km2 / 70 km2 / 100 km2 after a fire event.

Amina made several inferences from the information she has learned about the Amazon. Which of her statements is most reasonable based on the data in Questions 1–3? (Select the best response.)

• Fire is likely a cause of a decrease in bird populations in the Amazon.

• Fire is the largest cause of deforestation in the Amazon.

• Fire is unlikely to cause a decrease in tree diversity in the Amazon.

• Fire is most likely the largest cause of agriculture loss in the Amazon.

If logging was the cause of deforestation in the years between 1997 and 2004 (refer to the graph from Question 1), would the risk of severe fires likely be the greatest during the years 1997, 2000, or 2004? Briefly explain your answer, using data and information from Questions 1 and 2.

Q6. There is scientific agreement that widespread deforestation of the Amazon could

have a big effect on Earth’s climate. Which of the following is true of scientific claims,

including the one stated here, for which there is scientific consensus? (Select all that

apply.)

• They are 100% accurate.

• They are supported by multiple lines of evidence.

• Most scientific experts accept them.

• They will never change.

• The general public must accept them as true.