Please Help- Ecology Questions?

Question

1- Why is there a desert surrounding Las Vegas? (in terms of regional effects on climate- causing desert areas)

2- Why is traditional farming in a tropical rain forest a bad idea?

3- What is the main abiotic limting factor in the tundra?

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Please Help me, I would really appreciate it. My book doesn't really cover these areas properly. Thank You so much!

Answer 1

Q1> Dont know

Q2> Traditional farming in a tropical rainforest seems like a bad idea because-

  a) You will have to cut down a lot of rainforest to clear the land for farming - a very bad idea, very destructive

  b) Even if you DO clear the land the climate wont be suitable for most crops like cereals, sugarcane, etc.

   So, it depends a lot on what crop you wanna cultivate.

Q3> Low Temperature.

Answer 2

1. its caused by a rain shadow effect

2. because the rain forrest has nutrient poor soil and slash and burn methods don't improve soil qualities there

3. the cold temperatures, little sunlight, and permafrost.