layers of ranforest Flashcards
1️⃣ Emergent Layer
Tallest trees (up to 60m)
Get most sunlight
Birds, insects, some monkeys
2️⃣ Canopy Layer
Dense layer of trees (around 30–45m)
Blocks sunlight to lower layers
Rich in biodiversity (birds, monkeys, sloths)
Understory Layer
Shorter trees and shrubs
Low light
Home to insects, frogs, snakes
Forest Floor
Dark and damp
Little sunlight
Decomposers (fungi, insects) break down leaf litte
where is most life found in?
most life found in canopy
Where does rapid nutrient cycling
Rapid nutrient cycling happens on the forest floor
where are rainforests found?
Found near the Equator.🌳
(e.g. Amazon, Congo, SE Asia).
What is the climate like in a tropical rainforest?
Hot and wet all year, around 27°C and over 2000mm rainfall.
🌱 Structure of the Rainforest (layers top to bottom) in order
Emergent – tallest trees (50m), lots of sun.
Canopy – dense layer of trees (main layer).
Under-canopy – young trees + shrubs.
Forest floor – dark, damp, few plants.
Why is rainforest soil low in nutrients?
Heavy rainfall causes leaching, which washes nutrients away
What does interdependence mean in a rainforest?
All parts (climate, plants, animals, soil, people) are connected and affect each othe
How do plants and climate work together in the rainforest?
The hot, wet climate helps plants grow quickly, which supports animals and adds nutrients to the soil.
What happens if one part of the rainforest is damaged?
It affects everything else, like the water cycle, soil quality, and habitats.
Why do rainforest plants have drip tips?
To let rainwater run off easily.
What are buttress roots used for?
To support tall trees in shallow soil.
Why are some rainforest animals brightly coloured or loud
To attract mates or warn predators.
How do animals adapt to life in the trees?
They have strong limbs for climbing and use camouflage to hide from predators.
Why are rainforests important for biodiversity?
They contain more species than any other ecosystem.
What are the main threats to biodiversity in rainforests?
Deforestation, farming, mining, and logging.
What are the effects of reduced biodiversity?
Species extinction, ecosystem imbalance, and loss of resources like medicine.
How can we protect rainforest biodiversity?
By creating protected areas, replanting trees, and using the forest sustainably.
What does “interdependence” mean in a rainforest ecosystem?
It means that climate, water, soil, plants, animals, and people all rely on and affect each other.
How does the climate affect plants in the rainforest?
The hot, wet climate helps plants grow quickly all year round.
How do plants affect the soil in the rainforest?
When plants drop leaves, they decompose quickly and temporarily add nutrients to the soil.
