geog 2.0 Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the climate characteristic of tropical rainforests?
Hot wet climate with high temperature and high rainfall
Mean annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and total annual precipitation > 2000mm.
What is the species diversity range in a hectare of tropical rainforest?
300 - 400 species
Indicates high biodiversity in tropical rainforests.
What are the four layers of a tropical rainforest?
- Emergent
- Canopy
- Understory
- Ground
Each layer has distinct characteristics and vegetation types.
What is a characteristic of the soil in tropical rainforests?
Nutrient poor due to heavy rain washing organic matter away
Nutrients are quickly taken up by plants after decomposition.
What adaptations do tree trunks and bark in tropical rainforests have?
- Tall and thin to reach sunlight
- Smooth and thin bark to facilitate water flow
These adaptations help trees withstand heat and reduce moisture loss.
What are the characteristics of leaves in tropical rainforests?
- Drip tips to allow excess water to drip off
- Broad and green to capture more sunlight
- Thick and leathery
- Smooth and waxy to facilitate rainwater runoff
These features enhance photosynthesis and water management.
How do flowers and fruits in tropical rainforests attract pollinators?
They are colorful and sweet-smelling all year round
This attracts various pollinators.
What is the root system like in tropical rainforests?
- Shallow roots to access surface water
- Buttress roots for support
These adaptations help trees thrive in nutrient-poor soils.
What are the climate characteristics of a tropical monsoon forest?
Monthly mean temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius with distinct wet and dry seasons
Wet season from April to October and dry season from November to February.
What is the range of species diversity in a hectare of tropical monsoon forest?
30 - 40 species
Indicates moderate biodiversity.
What are the layers of a tropical monsoon forest?
- Canopy
- Understory
- Ground
Canopy is shorter than in tropical rainforests due to water scarcity.
How does the soil in tropical monsoon forests differ from that in tropical rainforests?
Generally poor in nutrient content but the dry season helps nutrients stay in place
This contrasts with the nutrient loss in tropical rainforests.
What adaptations do tree trunks and bark in tropical monsoon forests have?
- Thick and coarse bark to protect from heat
- Branches located in the middle of trunks
These features limit moisture loss and allow sunlight to reach lower parts.
What is a key characteristic of the leaves in tropical monsoon forests?
- Waxy surface and drip tips to remove excess water
- Deciduous, shedding leaves during dry seasons
This minimizes water loss through transpiration.
How do flowers and fruits in tropical monsoon forests adapt to the seasons?
Bloom during the dry season to attract pollinators
Seeds germinate rapidly when the rainy season arrives.
What type of root system is found in tropical monsoon forests?
Deep tap roots to access groundwater
This sustains growth throughout the year.
What is the climate characteristic of mangrove forests?
Tropical climate zone with high precipitation throughout the year
Little variations in temperature between 23.5 degrees N and 23.5 degrees S of the equator.
What are the main characteristics of mangrove forests?
- Horizontal zones
- Halophytic trees and shrubs
- Complex root system
Adaptations include salt filtration and oxygen adaptation.
What are the three zones of mangrove forests?
- Inland zone (Bruguiera)
- Middle zone (Rhizophora)
- Coastal zone (Avicennia, Sonneratia)
Each zone has specific species adapted to its environment.
What adaptations do mangrove leaves have?
- Broad to absorb sunlight
- Thick and leathery to prevent water loss
- Drip tips to allow excess water to drip off
Glands in leaves help secrete excess salt.
What type of roots do mangroves have to adapt to their environment?
- Aerial roots for oxygen absorption
- Knead roots (Bruguiera)
- Stilt roots (Rhizophora)
- Pencil-like roots (Avicennia)
- Cone-shaped pneumatophores (Sonneratia)
These adaptations help in stability and air absorption.
