Rainforests Flashcards
3 characteristics of diversity of plant species
[Tropical rainforests]
- Hot and wet enviro.
- Great variety of plants and animals flourish throughout
- Rich biodiversity
Name the 3 layers of a Tropical Rainforest
- Emergent layer
- Canopy layer
- Undergrowth layer
Features of the Emergent layer
[Tropical rainforests]
- 30m-50m in height
- Thick, straight trunks
- Emerge from canopy layer
Features of the Canopy layer
[Tropical rainforests]
- 20m-30m in height
- Umbrella-shaped crowns
- Block sunlight from reacher lower layers due to it’s continuous cover
Features of the Undergrowth layer
[Tropical rainforests]
- Maximum 20 m in height
- Growth is sparse due to lack of sunlight
List and explain the features of Barks and Branches
[Tropical rainforests]
- Tall, straight trunks with branches that spread out near the top (EA)
> Helps trees to obtain the maximum amount of
sunlight - Smooth bark (EA)
> Allows rainwater to flow easily
from the crown to the roots of
the trees
List and explain the features of leaves
[Tropical rainforests]
- Broad (EA)
> Capture sunlight for photosynthesis - Drip Tip (CA)
> Allows water to run off easily to prevent bacteria growth due to moist conditions - Waxy, leathery or hairy surface (CA)
> Minimise loss of moisture through transpiration due to high temperatures
List and explain the features of fruits and flowers
[Tropical rainforests]
Colourful and strong smelling (EA)
> To attract insects and other animals for dispersal/ pollination
List and explain the features of roots
[Tropical rainforests]
- Large buttress roots (EA)
> Support the heavy weight of the tall tree - 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
3 main characteristics on the diversity
[Monsoon Rainforest]
- Dry seasons, less water, thus:
- Less plants
- Gaps in canopy
- Dense undergrowth
- Hardwood
- Teak
- Sandalwood
- Dry season
- Sparse undergrowth due to lack of water
Name the 3 layers of a Monsoon Rainforest
- Canopy layer
- Understorey
- Undergrowth
Features of canopy layer
[Monsoon rainforest]
- 15m - 30m
- Trees are more spread out
- Sunlight can pass through
Features of understorey layer
[Monsoon rainforest]
- 6m - 15m
- Younger trees
Features of undergrowth layer
[Monsoon rainforest]
- Wet season
> Dense vegetation - Dry season
> Less dense vegetation
List and explain the features of Barks and Branches
[Monsoon rainforests]
- Thick and coarse bark (CA)
> Protect from heat, dryness and even forest fires during dry seasons - Branches are located in the middle section(EA)
> Light is able to reach lower parts of the forest
List and explain the features of leaves
[Monsoon rainforests]
- Deciduous (CA)
> Leaves fall off at certain times of the
year during dry seasons to conserve
water - Waxy and have drip tips (CA)
> Minimise loss of moisture through
transpiration due to high temperatures - Some plants have thin leaves
> To conserve water
> e.g Bamboo
List and explain the features of roots
[Monsoon rainforests]
Deep roots (CA)
- In order to trap underground water during
the dry seasons
List and explain the features of flowers and fruits
[Monsoon rainforests]
Not as colourful or sweet smelling
> Tend to bear fruit during dry seasons
