Ecosystems - Tropical Rainforests

Question 1

Identify the main layers in the tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Answer 1

Emergent
Canopy
Under Canopy
Shrub
Ground Layer

Question 2

Describe Characteristics of the emergent layer.

Answer 2

Consists of the tallest trees and are usually over 50 metres tall.

Question 3

Describe characteristics of the canopy layer.

Answer 3

Contains over 50% of the rainforest wildlife.

Question 4

Describe characteristics of the under canopy layer.

Answer 4

Mainly contains bare tree trunks and lianas. Lianas are vines that climb the vegetation in a bid to reach sunlight.

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of the shrub layer.

Answer 5

Has the densest plant growth. It contains shrubs and ferns and other plants needing less sunlight. Saplings of emergent and canopy trees can also be found here.

Question 6

Describe characteristics of the forest floor layer.

Answer 6

Usually dark and damp. It contains a layer of rotting leaves and dead animals called litter. This decomposes rapidly (within 6 weeks) to form a thin humus, rich in nutrients. Below the rich top soil, the soil lacks nutrients. This is because nutrients are rapidly absorbed by vegetation.

Question 7

Describe the typical climate of a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Answer 7

Very wet - 2000mm of rainfall a year
Warm - average daily temps of 28°C
Hot and Humid atmosphere
Consistent climate

Question 8

Describe three characteristics of soil in the tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Answer 8

Most of soil is not very fertile
A thin layer of fertile soil is found in the surface where the dead leaves decompose
Red in colour - rich in iron
Nutrients are quickly washed out of the soil - heavy rainfall