geography year 10- tropical rainforests

where are tropical rainforests located?

located near the equator

explain why tropical rainforests are located where they are

the area has the perfect conditions for dense, year-round plant growth

describe the characteristics of the canopy layer

dense, upper layer of a rainforest.

20-40 meters tall

leaves and branches are baked closely together, blocking most sunlight

home to monkeys, snakes, birds and insects

photosynthesis powerhouse

thick canopy slows down rainfall and wind, protecting lower layers

describe the characteristics of the under canopy layer

5-20 meters tall

less sunlight making it shady and humid

dense vegetation

home to jaguars, snakes, insects, frogs and some birds that prefer dim light

high humidity

describe the characteristics of the field layer

very little sunlight making it dark and damp

sparse vegetation

rich in nutrients

home to tigers, jaguars, snakes and large mammals

describe the characteristics of the ground layer

very little sunlight

few plants grow- mainly ferns, mosses, fungi and seedlings

nutrient recycling

home to jaguars, snakes, insects and large mammals

explain plant adaptations in the rainforest

drip tips on leaves- rainwater runs off quicker

large leaves- capture as much sunlight as possible

buttress roots- extra support

rapid growth- compete for sunlight

explain how the red eyed tree frogs are adapted

bright red eyes- to startle the predator when eyes are opened rapidly

sticky pads on toes- helps it climb trees and cling to trees

green body colour- camouflages amongst leaves

nocturnal behaviour- avoid daytime predators

slim lightweight body- makes it easy to jump and move

lays eggs on leaves above water- so when tadpoles hatch they fall into the water below

describe the climate of a rainforest

hot and wet all year round

high temperatures- 20-30 degrees

heavy rainfall- 2000-10000mm per year

high humidity- 77-88% making the air feel sticky and damp

no distinct seasons- no winter or summers

warm nights- above 20 degrees