Adaptation and Biodiversity in Rainforests Flashcards
What is an adaptation?
A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
True or False: Camouflage is a common adaptation in tropical rainforest animals.
True
Fill in the blank: The __________ is known for its ability to blend into its surroundings using green and brown colors.
leaf-tailed gecko
Which animal is known for its prehensile tail that helps it grasp branches in the rainforest?
Spider monkey
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a tropical rainforest animal that uses mimicry (as an adaptation? A) Poison dart frog B) Sloth C) Jaguar
A) Poison dart frog
What adaptation allows the sloth to move slowly and conserve energy?
A low metabolic rate
Short answer: Why do many animals in the tropical rainforest have strong limbs?
To navigate the dense vegetation and climb trees.
Fill in the blank: The __________ has specialised feet that allow it to cling to tree trunks.
chameleon
Which adaptation helps the toucan to eat a variety of fruits and insects?
A large, colorful beak
What are buttress roots?
Buttress roots are large, wide roots that extend above the ground, providing stability for tall trees in tropical rainforests.
True or False: Drip tips help plants in the tropical rainforest by allowing excess water to drain off their leaves.
True
Fill in the blank: Lianas are woody _____ that use trees for support as they grow towards the sunlight.
vines
What is the primary function of drip tips in tropical rainforest plants?
To facilitate water drainage and reduce leaf damage from excessive rainfall.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a plant adaptation found in tropical rainforests? A) Buttress roots B) Drip tips C) Thorns D) Lianas
C) Thorns
Short Answer: How do buttress roots benefit tall trees in the rainforest?
They provide stability and support to the tree’s structure.
True or False: Lianas can grow independently without support from other trees.
False
What type of environment do drip tips primarily adapt to?
High rainfall environments typical of tropical rainforests.
Multiple Choice: What is a common characteristic of plants with buttress roots? A) They are typically short B) They grow in dry areas C) They are usually tall trees D) They have small leaves
C) They are usually tall trees
Fill in the blank: Sloths have a low metabolic rate, which allows them to conserve energy and survive on a diet primarily consisting of ______.
leaves
What adaptation helps sloths to blend into their environment?
Their greenish fur, which hosts algae
Multiple Choice: What is the primary reason sloths move slowly? A) To avoid predators B) To save energy C) To find food D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What physical feature allows sloths to hang from tree branches?
Long, curved claws
What are epiphytes?
Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants for support and to seek sunlight
What is one benefit of being an epiphyte in a tropical rainforest?
Access to sunlight above the forest floor.
What are the main layers of the tropical rainforest?
Emergent layer, canopy layer, understory layer, and forest floor.
True or False: The canopy layer is the highest layer of the tropical rainforest.
False
Fill in the blank: The __________ layer receives the most sunlight in the tropical rainforest.
emergent
Which layer of the tropical rainforest is most densely populated with trees?
Canopy layer
What is the primary role of the understory layer in the tropical rainforest ecosystem?
It provides habitat for smaller animals and plants that thrive in lower light conditions.
What are 4 main ways animals have adapted to the tropical rainforest?
camouflage, mimicry, limited diet, habitat adaptation
What 3 factors are threatening biodiversity levels in the tropical rainforest?
- climate change
- water pollution
- deforestation
