Ecosystems and tropical rainforests

Question 1

Describe the climate of TRFs and what effect does it have on vegetation

Answer 1

Equatorial climate
High temperatures (27oc) throughout the year and high rainfall (2000 ml per year)
Perfect growing conditions, lush vegetation growth.

Question 2

Describe the soil of TRFs

Answer 2

Not very fertile. Nutrients are concentrated in upper topsoil and are quickly taken up by plants as they grow.
Intense leaching removes nutrients from the topsoil and redeposits them further down

Question 3

Describe water in TRFs

Answer 3

Experience a distinct wet season with high rainfall that lasts for many months. During the wet season, there is excess water on the ground, swelling local rivers and causing flooding. Water will soak into the soil, dissolving and transporting away nutrients (leaching)

Question 4

Describe plants and animals in TRFs

Answer 4

Highest level of biodiversity in the world. Large range of habitats available. TRFs contain 50% of the world’s plants and animals. Birds live in the canopy, feeding on seeds and nectar from flowers.

Question 5

Describe people in the TRF

Answer 5

Traditional tribes living in TRFs live in harmony with the natural environment, hunting and gathering only what they need to survive (sustainable system). People are chopping down trees for timber or clearing room for ranching and commercial gain. Reduces biodiversity as habitats are destroyed.

Question 6

Describe the nutrient cycle of TRF

Answer 6

Largest store is biomass (mostly trees). Soil contains few nutrients because any soil released by decomposers is quickly absorbed by plants or leached into the soil by heavy rainfall.
Few nutrients in the litter store as decomposers thrive in the warm and wet condition so dead leaves and branches are quickly broken down
Rapid transfer of nutrients

Question 7

Where are TRFs found?

Answer 7

Found in a belt across the equator