Rainforests

Question 1

3 characteristics of diversity of plant species

[Tropical rainforests]

Answer 1

• Hot and wet enviro.
• Great variety of plants and animals flourish throughout
• Rich biodiversity

Question 2

Name the 3 layers of a Tropical Rainforest

Answer 2

1. Emergent layer
2. Canopy layer
3. Undergrowth layer

Question 3

Features of the Emergent layer

[Tropical rainforests]

Answer 3

1. 30m-50m in height
2. Thick, straight trunks
3. Emerge from canopy layer

Question 4

Features of the Canopy layer

[Tropical rainforests]

Answer 4

1. 20m-30m in height
2. Umbrella-shaped crowns
3. Block sunlight from reacher lower layers due to it’s continuous cover

Question 5

Features of the Undergrowth layer

[Tropical rainforests]

Answer 5

• Maximum 20 m in height

- Growth is sparse due to lack of sunlight

Question 6

List and explain the features of Barks and Branches

[Tropical rainforests]

Answer 6

1. Tall, straight trunks with branches that spread out near the top (EA)
   > Helps trees to obtain the maximum amount of
   sunlight
2. Smooth bark (EA)
   > Allows rainwater to flow easily
   from the crown to the roots of
   the trees

Question 7

List and explain the features of leaves

[Tropical rainforests]

Answer 7

1. Broad (EA)
   > Capture sunlight for photosynthesis
2. Drip Tip (CA)
   > Allows water to run off easily to prevent bacteria growth due to moist conditions
3. Waxy, leathery or hairy surface (CA)
   > Minimise loss of moisture through transpiration due to high temperatures

Question 8

List and explain the features of fruits and flowers

[Tropical rainforests]

Answer 8

Colourful and strong smelling (EA)

> To attract insects and other animals for dispersal/ pollination

Question 9

List and explain the features of roots

[Tropical rainforests]

Answer 9

1. Large buttress roots (EA)
   > Support the heavy weight of the tall tree
2. Shallow roots (CA)
   > Nutrients found on the top layer [humus] due to rapid
   decomposition of fallen leaves and branches
   > Water is available throughout the year, this the trees
   do no need to develop deep roots to search for
   underground water

Question 10

3 main characteristics on the diversity

[Monsoon Rainforest]

Answer 10

1. Dry seasons, less water, thus:
   
   • Less plants
   • Gaps in canopy
   • Dense undergrowth
2. Hardwood
   
   • Teak
   • Sandalwood
3. Dry season
   
   • Sparse undergrowth due to lack of water

Question 11

Name the 3 layers of a Monsoon Rainforest

Answer 11

1. Canopy layer
2. Understorey
3. Undergrowth

Question 12

Features of canopy layer

[Monsoon rainforest]

Answer 12

• 15m - 30m
• Trees are more spread out
• Sunlight can pass through

Question 13

Features of understorey layer

[Monsoon rainforest]

Answer 13

• 6m - 15m

- Younger trees

Question 14

Features of undergrowth layer

[Monsoon rainforest]

Answer 14

1. Wet season
   > Dense vegetation
2. Dry season
   > Less dense vegetation

Question 15

List and explain the features of Barks and Branches

[Monsoon rainforests]

Answer 15

1. Thick and coarse bark (CA)
   > Protect from heat, dryness and even forest fires during dry seasons
2. Branches are located in the middle section(EA)
   > Light is able to reach lower parts of the forest

Question 16

List and explain the features of leaves

[Monsoon rainforests]

Answer 16

1. Deciduous (CA)
   > Leaves fall off at certain times of the
   year during dry seasons to conserve
   water
2. Waxy and have drip tips (CA)
   > Minimise loss of moisture through
   transpiration due to high temperatures
3. Some plants have thin leaves
   > To conserve water
   > e.g Bamboo

Question 17

List and explain the features of roots

[Monsoon rainforests]

Answer 17

Deep roots (CA)
- In order to trap underground water during
the dry seasons

Question 18

List and explain the features of flowers and fruits

[Monsoon rainforests]

Answer 18

Not as colourful or sweet smelling

> Tend to bear fruit during dry seasons