tropical rainforest (amazon rainforest) Flashcards
define the soil in tropical rainforests
the heavy rainfall in the tropical rainforest leaches the soil as nutrients are washed away. however, there are surface nutrients due to decayed leaf fall, but this layer is very thin as decay is fast in the warm moist conditions of the tropical rainforest
describe nutrient cycling in the rainforest
when dead material decomposes nutrients are released into the soil. the nutrients are then taken up from the soil by plants. the plants may be eaten by consumers. when the plants or consumers die, the nutrients are returned to the soil. this transfer of nutrients is called nutrient cycling
the climate in tropical rainforests
the climate is the same all year round- there are no definite seasons. it’s hot. This is because the suns energy is more intense near the equator as it is overhead all year-round
rainfall is very high, around 2000 mm per year. it rains every day
define logging
his is when people cut down trees and sell it to make money this contributes to deforestation by 2 - 3%.
the amazon is full of valuable hardwood trees such as mahogany, which makes logging extremely tempting to both legal and illegal businesses
describe the structure of rainforests
soils
shrub and ground layer
lower tree canopy
middle canopy,
top canopy
define the Amazon rainforest
the amazon rainforest is the biggest rainforest on earth.
how are rainforests interdependent
the warm and wet climate helps fungi and bacteria on the forest floor to decompose dead plant material rapidly. this makes the surface soil high in nutrients, meaning plants can grow easily
plants pass on their nutrients when eaten by animals. the dense vegetation provides lots of food, so there is high biodiversity. when the animals die, their nutrients are transferred back to the soil, making it richer and encouraging lots of vegetation
many plant and animal species have formed symbiotic relationships ( where they depend on each other for survival)
plant adaptations in tropical rain forests
the vegetation and animals are well adapted to the climatic conditions experienced within each layer
access to sunshine is a key factor promoting strong vertical growth., as shown by the tallest emergent trees who exploit maximum sunlight
- Animal adaptations in tropical rainforests
Due to the intense competition for food, animals have become adapted to live off species of plants or animals that few others eat
bats thrive on the fruits growing in the canopy, which they can reach by flying, they also help disperse seeds, which pass through their digestive systems
animals may use color to act as camouflage or to warn predators to leave them alone
three-toed sloths have long claws, enabling them to climb trees. where they live most of the time, away from forest-floor predators. algae grow on their fir helping camouflage them
How biodiverse are tropical rain forests
Indonesian rainforests are estimated to have over 30,000 species of plants and over 1,600 species of birds
rainforests contain 170,000 of the world’s 250,000 known plant species
a recent survey found 487 separate trees species in a single hectare in Brazil.
why are there high levels of biodiversity in tropical rainforests
the wet and warm climate encourages a wide range of plants and trees to grow. these provide many different natural habitats for animals
the rapid recycling of nutrients speeds up plant growth and provides plentiful food for consumers
many parts of tropical rainforests are untouched by people, enabling a range of plants and animals to thrive
main threats to biodiversity
slash and burn agriculture, creating a commercial plantation
unsustainable timber harvesting
development of roads and settlements
mining and subsequent pollution of water supplies from toxic metals
main issues associated with biodiversity decline
indigenous tribes being unable to survive in rainforests and having to abandon their traditional lifestyles
plant and animals species may become extinct- some even before they have been discovered
important medical plants may become extinct
define and describe the shrub and ground layer
limited to ferns, woody plants, and younger trees because of lack of light. Bacteria and fungi rapidly rot the fallen leaves, dead plants, and animals. thick buttress roots to spread the weight of the towering trees
descrube and define the lower tree canopy
shaded less substantial trees waiting to take advantage of the next available light space. interlocking spindly branches and climbing woody creepers from green corridors along which lightweight animals can travel
