Ecosystems/Tropical rainforests

Question 1

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 1

An ecosystem is a natural environment and includes the flora (plants) and fauna
(animals) that live and interact within that environment.

Question 2

What effect does a climate have on an ecosystem?

Answer 2

the temperature and amount of rainfall are very important in determining which
species can survive in the ecosystem

Question 3

What effect does the soil have on an ecosystem?

Answer 3

The soil type is important as this provides nutrients that will support different plants

Question 4

How does amount of water effect an ecosystem

Answer 4

The amount of water available in an ecosystem will determine what plants and animals can be supported

Question 5

Over how many mm of rainfall do TRF’s have per year?

Answer 5

Over 2000mm

Question 6

What is the average temperature in a TRF?

Answer 6

28’C

Question 7

What temp do TRF’s never fall below?

Answer 7

20’C

Question 8

What temp do TRF’s rarely exceed?

Answer 8

35’C

Question 9

What is the atmosphere like in a TRF?

Answer 9

Humid
Hot

Question 10

How consistent is the climate of a TRF?

Answer 10

No seasons, consistent all year round

Question 11

How fertile is the soil?

Answer 11

Most of the soil isn’t very fertile

Question 12

Why is most of the soil not very fertile?

Answer 12

Due to the high temperature the fallen leaves decompose very quickly, but since there is consistent rainfall, nutrients are washed away. Leaving only a thin layer of fertile soil on the top.

Question 13

What conditions does the climate in a TRF provide? How does this affect plant growth?

Answer 13

The warm and very wet climate provides perfect conditions for plant growth.

Question 14

What are Lianas?

Answer 14

these are woody vines that have roots in the ground but climb up the trees to reach the sunlight. Their leaves and flowers grow in the canopy.

Question 15

Where does the leaves and flowers of lianas grow?

Answer 15

Their leaves and flowers grow in the canopy.

Question 16

How have tree trunks adapted in TRF’s?

Answer 16

tall and thin to allow trees to reach the sunlight. The bark on these trees is smooth to allow water to flow down to the roots easily.

Question 17

Why do leaves in TRF’s have drip tip?

Answer 17

This allows water to run off the leaves quickly without damaging or breaking them

Question 18

What are Buttress roots?

Answer 18

large roots have ridges which create a large surface area that help to support large trees.

Question 19

What are Epiphytes?

Answer 19

these are plants which live on the branches of trees high up in the canopy. They get their nutrients from the air and water, not from the soil

Question 20

What adaptations does a sloth have?

Answer 20

-Slow so hard to spot
-Camouflage

Question 21

How are spider monkeys adapted?

Answer 21

Long strong limbs to help it climb trees

Question 22

How is a flying frog adapted?

Answer 22

Fully webbed hands and feet, and a flap of loose skin that stretches between its limbs, which allows it to glide from plant to plant.

Question 23

How are Toucans adapted?

Answer 23

has a long, large bill to allow it to reach and cut fruit from branches that are too weak to support its weight.