Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
(11 cards)
Vegetation in tropical rainforests
The trees grow very tall often up to 45m
There is a great variety of wildlife
Where are tropical rainforests found
Central Africa
Central and South America
South east Asia
Northern Australia
What is the climate like in tropical rainforests
It is warm and wet because it is near the equator and there is high rainfall
What is leaching
The process when rainfall can quickly dissolve and carry away nutrients.
Are tropical rainforest soils fertile
No they are not as most nutrients are found at the surface where dead leaves decompose rapidly in the hot and humid conditions
How are trees adapted in the lower canopy in rainforests
They have shallow roots to absorb the nutrients as most are not deep underground. Thin smooth bark on trees allow water to flow down easily.
How are trees adapted in the top canopy
They have fast growing trees to reach sunlight as it is often dark down low, many leaves have flexible bases so that they can turn to face the sun. Many leaves have a drip tip to allow the heavy rain to drip off the leaf
Why should tropical rainforests be protected
A lot of biodiversity
They absorb carbon dioxide a gas partially responsible for climate change
28 percent of the worlds oxygen comes from rainforests
Indigineous tribes
25% of world medicine comes rainforest plants
Resources such as nuts and fruit
What is a completely sustainable approach to deforestation
Selective logging
Most dangerous form of deforestation
Clear felling where all trees in one area are cleared which completely destroys the ecosystem
Economic benefit of rainforests
Ecotourism
