Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
Describe the climate in tropical rainforests.
Climate is the same all year round - no definite seasons.
Hot - generally between 20-28 degrees C - sun’s energy is more intense near equator as it’s overhead all year round.
Rainfall is very high - around 2000mm per year - rains everyday.
Describe the plants in tropical rainforests.
Most trees are evergreen - help take advantage of the continual growing season.
Many trees are really tall & vegetation cover is dense - little light reaches forest floor.
Lots of epiphytes (plants that grow on other living plants and take nutrients & moisture from the air) - (e.g. orchids & ferns).
Describe the soil in tropical rainforests.
Not very fertile as heavy rain washes nutrients away.
Surface nutrients sue to decayed leaf fall - this layer is very thin as decay is fast in the warm, moist conditions.
Describe the animals in tropical rainforests.
The ecosystem contains more animal species than any other - (gorillas, jaguars, anacondas, tree frogs, sloths, tree monkeys, and so many more animals are found here - also many species of insects & birds).
Describe people in tropical rainforests.
Many indigenous people have adapted to life in the rainforests.
Make a living by hunting, fishing, gathering nuts and berries, and growing vegetables in small garden plots.
How have plants adapted to the physical conditions in tropical rainforests?
-Trees compete for sunlight by growing tall - emergent trees only have branches at their crown (most light available) and some under canopy plants have large leaves (absorb most sunlight possible).
-Plants have thick, waxy leaves with pointed drip tips - channel rainwater to the point for runoff so weight of water doesn’t damage plant. Means there’s no standing water for fungi & bacteria to grow in. Waxy coating also helps repel rain.
-Climbing plants (e.g. Lianas) use tree trunks to reach sunlight.
-Many trees have smooth, thin bark - no need to protect tree from cold. Smooth surface helps water to run off easily.
-Large, stable buttress roots support the tall trees’ trunks.
- Plants drop leaves gradually throughout the year - can grow all year round.
