Living World: Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the climate of tropical rainforests?
Hot and humid all year round, around 27°C average temperature, and very high annual rainfall (2000+ mm).
Where are tropical rainforests located?
Between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, mostly near the Equator.
What is the soil like in tropical rainforests?
Infertile and iron-rich due to leaching, where heavy rainfall washes nutrients away.
What is leaching?
The process by which nutrients are washed from the soil due to heavy rain.
What is the biodiversity like in tropical rainforests?
Very high; over 50% of the world’s species are found there.
Why is the tropical rainforest ecosystem considered stable and productive?
Because it has a consistent climate and high biodiversity supporting complex food webs.
What is an epiphyte?
A plant that grows on another plant (usually trees) to access more sunlight.
How do plants adapt to rainforest conditions?
Tall growth to reach sunlight, drip-tip leaves to shed water, thin smooth bark, buttress roots for stability.
What are lianas?
Woody vines rooted in the ground that climb trees to reach sunlight.
What are buttress roots?
Large roots at the base of trees providing support in shallow soil.
How do animals adapt to rainforest conditions?
Strong limbs or tails for climbing, camouflage, nocturnality, sharp claws, small size, or adapted to low light.
Give an example of interdependence in TRFs.
Agouti rodents crack open Brazil nuts and disperse seeds, enabling tree growth.
Why do plants get nutrients from decomposing organic matter?
Because the soil is nutrient-poor; nutrients are quickly recycled from surface organic matter.
What is deforestation?
The large-scale removal of forests, often for agriculture, logging, or development.
Give reasons for deforestation in TRFs.
Subsistence farming, commercial farming, cattle grazing, palm oil plantations, logging, mineral extraction, roads.
What is subsistence farming?
Farming by individuals or families to meet their own food needs.
What is commercial farming?
Farming on a large scale to sell crops or livestock for profit.
What are the impacts of deforestation?
Loss of biodiversity, climate change, soil erosion, disruption of water cycle, economic changes.
Why are TRFs valuable?
Carbon sink, habitat for wildlife, medicinal resources, long-term economic potential, regulate climate.
What are the forest layers?
Emergent (40m+), canopy (30m), undercanopy (20m), shrub layer (10m and below).
What is selective logging?
Cutting down only some trees while preserving overall forest structure.
What is replanting?
Re-growing trees after deforestation to restore the forest.
What is ecotourism?
Tourism focused on natural environments, supporting conservation and local people.
How does education support sustainability?
Teaches people about impacts of deforestation and how to manage forests responsibly.
