The Rainforest Ecosystem

Question 1

What does the canopy provide for the rainforest?

Answer 1

A habitat for monkeys and birds

Question 2

How do the tall trees stay green?

Answer 2

They are deciduous meaning that they shed their leaves at difference times

Question 3

How are the tallest tree supported ?

Answer 3

By buttress roots , shallow roots that poke up out of the soil

Question 4

Characteristics of emergents leaves

Answer 4

• Oval shape
• Extended part with drip-tip
• Olive-green leathery surfaces

Question 5

Example of a plant that increases vegetation and how

Answer 5

Parasite plants growing on trees and branches increase the amount of vegetation

Question 6

What are the 5 distinct layers of the rainforest?

Answer 6

40m - Discontinuous canopy of the tallest trees (emergents)
30m - Continuous layer of the main canopy formed by the crowns of many tall trees
~20m - Discontinuous under canopy formed by the trees that are 10 to 20 high
~10m - Layer of shrubs and young trees
~5m - Herb layer with ferns 3m or more high

Question 7

What make s the rainforest ideal for plant growth?

Answer 7

Their high temperatures

Question 8

Where are tropical Rainforests situated?

Answer 8

Around the equator

Question 9

Why are tropical Rainforests situated where they are?

Answer 9

Because Rainforests like warm, wet areas
They also like consistent temperatures and due to these high temperatures at the equator there is accelerated evaporation of water which results in frequent rainfall in forested areas in the tropics

Question 10

How does convection rainfall occur?

Answer 10

• Small areas of the ground are fiercely heated due to the angle of the suns rays
• When the land warms up it heats up the air above causing it to expand and rise
• It then rises, cools, condenses and falls back as rain

Question 11

How have tall trees adapted to living in the rainforest?

Answer 11

• Tall trees are drawn up by heat and light which is why leaf growth is concentrated in the canopy
• The upper surface of the leaves are leathery to withstand the Suns radiation
• Driptips help to shed water during heavy rainfall
• The trees have wide buttress roots to support them

Question 12

How have shrubs, ferns and vines adapted to the rainforest?

Answer 12

Shrubs take advantage of any gap in the forest canopy
Vines hug tall trees (emergents) to take advantage of their nutrients and sunlight
Ferns have leaves which intercept a high proportion of available light

Question 13

What are the threats to the rainforest?

Answer 13

• Tropical hardwoods (logging)
• Settlement
• Clearing for food production
• Mineral resources

Question 14

What would be lost if the rainforest disappeared?

Answer 14

• ~50% of the worlds 10million species live in tropical rainforest
• Many of today’s drugs such as aspirin are derived from plants in the tropical rainforest
• Huge supply of oxygen and lessen greenhouse gasses threat