Rainforest Case study

What are the main layers of the Amazon Rainforest?

Forest floor, understory, canopy, emergent layer.

What characterises the forest floor?

Dark, humid, low light; home to insects, jaguars, decomposers.

What characterises the understory?

Shaded area with small trees and shrubs; adapted to low light.

What characterises the canopy?

Dense layer of tree tops forming a roof; home to monkeys, birds, insects.

What characterises the emergent layer?

Tallest trees rising above the canopy; exposed to lots of sunlight and wind.

What is the Amazon’s overall climate?

Hot, humid tropical climate.

What is the Amazon’s average temperature?

About 25°C year-round.

How much rainfall do parts of the Amazon receive?

Over 2,500 mm annually.

Why is the Amazon so hot?

It is located near the Equator where the sun’s rays are most direct.

Why is the Amazon so wet?

High evaporation and rising warm air cause heavy convectional rainfall.

Why does constant warmth support plant growth?

There is no cold season, so plants grow year-round.

Why does heavy rainfall support biodiversity?

Water supply is constant, supporting dense vegetation and diverse species.

Why is the Amazon an important carbon sink?

Its dense vegetation absorbs huge amounts of carbon dioxide.

How much of the world’s species live in the Amazon?

Over 10% of known species.

What is an example of wildlife found in the canopy?

Macaws, monkeys.

What is an example of wildlife on the forest floor?

Jaguars, leaf-cutter ants.

What unique aquatic species lives in the Amazon River?

Pink river dolphin.

What is a major human impact on the Amazon?

Deforestation for farming and logging.

How does deforestation affect biodiversity?

It destroys habitats and reduces species populations.

How does agriculture affect the rainforest?

Land is cleared for cattle ranching and crops.

How does logging affect the rainforest?

Removes trees that are crucial for the ecosystem.

How does climate change threaten the Amazon?

Increases droughts and wildfires.

How do wildfires impact the rainforest?

They destroy vegetation and release stored carbon.

Why is protecting the Amazon important?

It supports global biodiversity and climate regulation.