geog Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the climate characteristic of tropical rainforests?
hot wet climate with high temperature and high rainfall
High mean annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and total annual precipitation greater than 2000mm
What is the mean annual temperature range in tropical rainforests?
2 degrees Celsius
This small range contributes to the stable climate ideal for diverse ecosystems.
How many species can be found in a hectare of tropical rainforest?
300 - 400 species
This high species diversity is a hallmark of tropical rainforests.
What are the four layers of a tropical rainforest?
- Emergent
- Canopy
- Understory
- Ground
Each layer has distinct characteristics and contributes to the overall ecosystem.
What is a key feature of the soil in tropical rainforests?
nutrient poor
Heavy rainfall washes organic matter away, and nutrients are quickly absorbed by plants.
What adaptation do tropical rainforest trees have for reaching sunlight?
tall and thin trunks
This growth form is essential for competition in dense vegetation.
What is the purpose of drip tips on tropical rainforest leaves?
allow excess water to drip off
This adaptation helps prevent damage from heavy rainfall.
What is a characteristic of tropical monsoon forest climates?
monthly mean temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius and distinct wet and dry seasons
The wet season lasts from April to October, while the dry season spans from November to February.
What is the average annual precipitation in tropical monsoon forests?
about 1500mm
This precipitation supports distinct wet and dry seasonal growth patterns.
How does the bark of trees in tropical monsoon forests differ from those in tropical rainforests?
thick and coarse bark
This adaptation protects against heat and dryness.
What type of root system do mangrove forests have?
complex root system
Adaptations include aerial roots and knee-like roots to survive in saline conditions.
What are the three zones in mangrove forests?
- Inland zone
- Middle zone
- Coastal zone
Each zone contains different species adapted to varying conditions.
What is the role of glands on mangrove leaves?
allows secreting excess salt
This adaptation is vital for survival in salty environments.
Fill in the blank: The _______ layer of the tropical rainforest is where trees grow 40m - 60m tall.
emergent
True or False: The leaves of tropical monsoon forests are deciduous.
True
They shed leaves during dry seasons to minimize water loss.
What adaptation do mangrove trees have to avoid suffocation in oxygen-poor soil?
aerial roots
These roots have pores called lenticels that facilitate air transport.
What is the typical height of the canopy layer in tropical monsoon forests?
25m - 30m tall
This is shorter than in tropical rainforests due to less water availability.
What type of leaves do mangrove trees typically have?
broad, thick, and leathery
These features help absorb sunlight and prevent water loss.
