Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
What is the structure of a typical rainforest
Shrub layer, understory, canopy, emergent
What does red soil indicate in a rainforest
High iron and aluminium content
What factors are needed for a fast nutrient cycle
Hot damp conditions
What is meant by the term leaching
Rain washing away soil nutrients
Why do plants adapt
Water
pollination
photosynthesis
Why do animals adapt
Food
protection
survival
Function of buttress roots
Anchor tall trees down
Take up nutrients more efficiently
Support the height
Function of drip tips
Pointed tips which helps shed water quickly which stops bacteria and rotting
Function of fan palms
Catching Sun and water
Adaptions of a chameleon
Horizontal feet, hang by tail, change colour
Adaptions of a monkey slug
Suction pads on feet,disguised as a tarantula
Adaption of a sloth
Moves slowly, slows digestion, hangs upside down, curved claws
How much of the rainforests have we lost since the last ice age
1/3
Why have we lost a third of rainforests
Cattle, soya, roads, energy, logging, mineral extraction
What is the importance os rainforests
Medicine, rubber,chocolate, coffee, Carbon sinks biodiversity
