Ecosystems Flashcards
Define the key terms ecosystem and biome
An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a bubble of life
A biome is an area classified according to the species that live in that location.
What is the disburition of rainforests around the world
Most of the world’s tropical rainforests lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
Describe the different layers of the rainforest
Forest floor, under canopy, canopy, emergent
How have rainforest plants adapted to their environment
Many rainforest plant leaves have waxy surfaces and “drip tips” where each leaf apex is extended or pointed
Buttress roots - large roots have ridges which create a large surface area that help to support large trees.
lianas have adapted by developing strong, flexible roots that can anchor themselves to tree trunks and branches.
Major threats to rainforest
Deforestation and fragmentation, over-exploitation, invasive species and climate change
