6.1 Physical Characteristics of Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
What are some physical characteristics of a tropical rainforest?
➢ Trees grow very tall
➢ Variety of wildlife
What is the climate like in a tropical rainforest?
➢ High temperatures averaging about 27 degrees throughout the year
➢ High rainfall - over 2000mm
Why is the temperature high in a tropical rainforest?
➢ The sun is overhead for most of the time
Why is there high rainfall at a tropical rainforest?
➢ This is because of the global atmospheric circulation
➢ It causes an area of low pressure to form at the equator
➢ The rising air creates clouds and triggers heavy rain
Why is there periods of intense rainfall throughout the year?
➢ Due to a period of intense rainfall when the equatorial low pressure area is directly overhead
Why are tropical rainforest soils infertile?
➢ This is because heavy rainfall can quickly dissolve and carry away nutrients
➢ This is called leaching
Why is it important for trees to be fast growing?
➢ So they can get the maximum amount of light possible
Why is flexible bases important?
➢ So they can turn and face the Sun
What is the purpose of having a drip tip leaf?
➢ To allow heavy rain to drip of the leaf
What are Buttresses?
➢ Massive ridges that help support the base of the tall tees
➢ Helps to transport water
➢ May also increase the rate of photosynthesis due to the increase in surface area
