💣world history – 1400 to present review

key term - Amazon

Definition

Amazon refers to both a vast rainforest located in South America, known as the Amazon Rainforest, and a major global corporation founded by Jeff Bezos that started as an online bookstore and expanded into e-commerce, cloud computing, and various other services. The significance of Amazon is multifaceted, impacting environmental science, technology, economy, and culture, while also raising discussions around sustainability and corporate ethics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Amazon Rainforest covers approximately 5.5 million square kilometers and is home to around 10% of all known species on Earth.
  2. Amazon.com started in 1994 as an online bookstore and rapidly expanded into various sectors including electronics, clothing, and streaming services.
  3. The Amazon Rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
  4. Corporate practices of Amazon have sparked debates about labor rights, market competition, and environmental sustainability.
  5. Deforestation rates in the Amazon have surged due to agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and infrastructure development, threatening both biodiversity and indigenous communities.

Review Questions

  • How does the Amazon Rainforest contribute to global climate regulation?
    • The Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the 'lungs of the Earth' because it plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. This process helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Additionally, the rainforest influences weather patterns not just locally but also globally by affecting rainfall distribution and temperature regulation.
  • Discuss the implications of deforestation in the Amazon on both biodiversity and local communities.
    • Deforestation in the Amazon has devastating effects on biodiversity as it leads to habitat loss for countless species, many of which are endemic to the region. This decline threatens ecological balance and disrupts food chains. Furthermore, local communities, especially indigenous groups who rely on the forest for their livelihood, face displacement and loss of cultural heritage. The environmental impact thus extends beyond ecological concerns to human rights issues.
  • Evaluate the role of Amazon.com in shaping e-commerce and its broader economic implications.
    • Amazon.com revolutionized e-commerce by pioneering online shopping experiences that prioritize convenience and customer service. Its extensive logistics network enables rapid delivery services, setting new standards for retail. This dominance influences market dynamics by forcing competitors to innovate while also raising concerns about monopolistic practices. Additionally, its influence extends to job markets and consumer behavior globally, reflecting broader economic shifts toward digital platforms.