Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
Where in the world are rain forests found
0-30° N/S
Between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
What atmospheric condition lead to the formation of rain forests
Low pressure
High precipitation
Directly heated by the sun
How tall are trees in the emergent layer
60-80m
What is the density of emergent trees in rainforests
1-2 / acre
What are biotic features of the emergent layer
Plants prevent water loss by having waxy leaves with a low surface area
What are abiotic features of the emergent layer
Dry and bright as a result of direct sunlight and strong winds between heavy showers
How tall are trees in the canopy layer
20-40m
What are biotic features of the canopy layer
Upper part of most trees
Verdurous environment home to insect, arachnids, birds and some mammals
What are biotic features of the under-canopy layer
Saplings waiting for older trees to die off
Lianas
What are abiotic features of the under-canopy layer
Limited light
What are biotic features of the forest floor
Little vegetation between trees
What are abiotic features of the forest floor
Very little light
Prone to flooding
What is biomass
All living things in an ecosystem
Flora and fauna
What is litter
Dead organic material
E.g. fallen leaves, dead animals
What is soil
Dead organic material mixed with weathered bedrock
How does biomass become litter
Nutrients fall to the ground when flora and fauna die
How does litter become soil
Nutrients become part of the soil when litter decomposes
How does soil become biomass
Flora take up nutrients, which are dissolved in the soil
Fauna consume the flora and take up its nutrients
What is biodiversity
The variety of flora and fauna in an ecosystem
What is an adaptation
A feature of an organism has to enable them to survive in the conditions that they normally live
What do buttress root do
Support tall trees
Shallow root quickly quick up recently dissolved nutrients
What are epiphytes
Plants that live on other plants in order to receive sunlight
Recieve nutrients from water and air
What are liana
Vines that root in the soil and climb plants to receive sunlight
What are drip-tip leaves
Shiny leaves that repel water to prevent rot
What are sustainable practices
Practices that are long-lasting and not environmentally damaging for future generations
