2.2.1. Characteristics and adaptations in tropical rainforests

What type of climate is found in tropical rainforests?

Equatorial

What is the typical minimum annual rainfall in a tropical rainforest?

2000mm

What type of rainfall occurs daily in the afternoon in tropical rainforests?

Convectional

What is the name given to the red, iron-rich soils found in tropical rainforests?

Latosols

Order the layers of tropical rainforest vegetation from top to bottom:

1. Emergent layer

2. Canopy

3. Understory

4. Forest floor

Which layer of the rainforest contains the tallest giant trees that capture direct sunlight?

Emergent  layer

Which rainforest layer shelters the richest biodiversity in the entire forest?

Canopy

What root adaptation provides physical support and soaks up nutrients in shallow rainforest soils?

Buttress roots 

What are lianas?

Thick, woody climbing vines 

What name is given to plants that grow harmlessly on tree branches, absorbing moisture directly from the air?

Epiphytes

What adaptation allows mammals like the spider monkey to grip branches efficiently?

Prehensile tails

How is the toucan's bill adapted for feeding?

Long and lightweight 

What is the term for vibrant skin patterns that warn predators of lethal toxins, as seen in the poison dart frog?

Aposematism

What term describes how all biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem rely directly on each other?

Interdependence

What is the largest store of nutrients in the tropical rainforest ecosystem?

Living vegetation ( biomass )

How do trees prevent nutrients from washing away during heavy rainfall?

Rapid uptake  by  shallow roots