Ecosystems - TRF

Question 1

name the 4 layers of the trf

Answer 1

1) shrub layer - less than 5m
2) under/lower canopy - 5-15m
3) main canopy - 15-30m
4) emergents - 30-60m

Question 2

how have sloths adapted to the tropical rainforest?

Answer 2

• long, sharp claws to hold onto branches of trees and help reach food
• move slowly through canopy so are not seen by predators

Question 3

how have jaguars adapted to the tropical rainforest?

Answer 3

• good swimmers - able to chase after prey quickly in the water
• padded paws to move quietly across the forest floor and sneak up on prey

Question 4

give two causes of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest

Answer 4

1) logging
2) road building

Question 5

what is logging?

Answer 5

cutting down trees for sale as timber or pulp
selective logging is when loggers choose only wood of a high value

Question 6

is clear-cutting an example of non-selective or selective logging?

Answer 6

non-selective

Question 7

why are trees cleared for roads to be built in the Amazon rainforest?

Answer 7

roads are an essential way for the Brazilian government to allow development of the rainforest

Question 8

give a way climate change poses a threat to the tropical rainforest (think STRUCTURE)

Answer 8

• structure of the rainforest relies upon the climate
• dry season (caused by climate change) results in the loss of leaves and lack of vegetation, resulting in less biodiversity
• less biodiversity means there will be less plants for herbivores to eat which can impact food chains

Question 9

give a way climate change poses a threat to the tropical rainforest (think FUNCTION)

Answer 9

• services provided from the rainforest could be impacted by hotter, drier conditions
• less vegetation cover means increased surface run-off (reduction of infiltration)
• increased silt in rivers can harm water species

Question 10

give a way climate change poses a threat to the tropical rainforest (think BIODIVERSITY)

Answer 10

• TRF species can’t tolerate drier conditions - won’t survive drought or forest fires
• species cannot cope with temperature fluctuations (Amazon rainforest contains 40% of species on Earth)

Question 11

define leaching

Answer 11

when rainwater washes the nutrients and minerals out of the soil

Question 12

define transpiration

Answer 12

the evaporation and movement of water away from the plant’s leaves from the inside of the plant

Question 13

describe how buttress roots have adapted to the tropical rainforest

Answer 13

massive ridges and wide to help support the base of the tree and help transport water

Question 14

describe how drip tip leaves have adapted to the tropical rainforest

Answer 14

• allows the heavy rain to drip off the leaf
• prevents algae growing which could block sunlight and prevent photosynthesis

Question 15

what does the soil of the tropical rainforest contain?

Answer 15

• nutrients/minerals
• humus

Question 16

what is litter?

Answer 16

decomposing organic matter including dead plant and animal material

Question 17

define biomass

Answer 17

the total mass of all living organisms