Tropical Rainforests

Question 1

What is the climate of a TR?

Answer 1

• wet (2000mm annual rainfall)
• warm (avg 28°)
• consistent (no seasons)

Question 2

What is the soil and biodiversity like in a TR?

Answer 2

• Soil is not very fertile, only a thin layer on the top where dead plants decompose, heavy rainfall washes it away
• perfect conditions for plant growth, supporting many animals, birds and insects

Question 3

How is the TR structured?

Answer 3

• Emergent
• Canopy
• Under Canopy
• Shrub Layer

Question 4

Plant Adaptions in the rainforest:

Answer 4

•Lianas (rooted in the ground but climb trees for sunlight)
• Thin and tall trees (reach for sun)
• Drip tips (water run off without damaging)
• Buttress roots (support)
• Epiphytes (plants living on trees)

Question 5

Animal Adaptations in the rainforest:

Answer 5

•Spider Monkey (strong + long limbs)
• Flying Frog (webbed hands and feet allowing it to glide)

Question 6

Reasons for Deforestation:

Answer 6

• Farming (cattle + slash and burn)
• Logging (mahogany furniture + paper)
• Mining (gold etc)
• Roads (access for all above and below)
• Hydroelectricity (forest flooded)
• Population (cleared for infrastructure)

Question 7

How can rainforests be sustainably managed?

Answer 7

• Selective logging
• Conservation and Education
• Ecotourism
• International agreements