2.2.1 Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem Flashcards
Where are tropical rainforests primarily located?
In a band between 15° north and 15° south of the equator (equatorial climate zone)
Name the major regions where tropical rainforests are found.
Amazon, Central America, Central Africa, Indo-Malaysia
What are the key climatic characteristics of tropical rainforests?
High annual precipitation (>2000mm), constant high temperatures (26-28°C), high humidity (>75-80%), no seasons
What type of soils are found in tropical rainforests and why are they not very fertile?
Latosols. Due to leaching and rapid nutrient uptake by plants, the soils are not very fertile with nutrients concentrated in the topsoil.
What percentage of the world’s plant and animal species are found in tropical rainforests?
Estimates range from over 50% to 80% of all species.
How do traditional communities like the Awa and Huli live in the rainforest?
They live in harmony, surviving through sustainable hunting and gathering using rainforest resources.
What makes the nutrient cycle in rainforests rapid?
High rainfall, temperatures and moisture lead to rapid decomposition and recycling of nutrients from leaf litter.
What are the 5 distinct layers of the tropical rainforest?
Ground, shrub, understory, canopy, emergent
Name 3 adaptations of rainforest plants.
Waxy drip-tip leaves, buttress roots, lianas (vines)
Give examples of 2 animal adaptations in the rainforest.
Sloths with algae camouflage, stick insects with camouflage shapes
How does deforestation impact the rainforest ecosystem?
It leads to habitat and biodiversity loss, disrupting the nutrient cycle.
List 3 major human threats to rainforest biodiversity.
Agriculture/slash and burn, mining, logging
How does losing a keystone species impact the ecosystem?
It can cause declines in other species that depend on it.
What is a major risk to rainforest biodiversity?
Plant and animal species going extinct before being discovered.
How are indigenous communities affected by deforestation?
They may be forced to abandon their traditional hunting/gathering lifestyle.
