Rainforest Ecosystem

Ecosystem

an interconnected community of plants and animals in a particular environment

Microclimate

specific atmospheric conditions within a small area, such as the canopy of a rainforest

Emergent layer

the tallest trees that emerge from the forest canopy. There is plenty of sunlight and abundant animal life.

Canopy

tall trees, about 50m above the forest floor. Their crowns (tops) interlock, blocking out sunlight

Understorey

the dark, humid layer which exists beneath the canopy, comprising smaller trees, ferns and palms.

Forest floor

The term for the thick carpet of leaves, fallen trees and buttress roots which form the bottom layer of the rainforest.

liana

large vines which wrap their way up rainforest trees to gain access to the canopy

Buttress

A type of roots found in the rainforest, which provides stability for the very tall trees. These are quite shallow, but very wide, absorbing nutrients partially from the air.

Undergrowth

The term for the plants which grow in the understorey, beneath the canopy.

Compost

a mixture of various types of decaying organic matter such as dung and dead leaves

Decomposers

organisms, such as bacteria, fungi and earthworms that return nutrients to the soil from other dead organisms

Producers

plants and animals which are lowest on the food chain. They provide food for other organisms.

Primary consumers

animals, birds, insects and invertebrates which consume leaves and small, producer organisms

Secondary consumers

animals, birds, reptiles etc. which consume smaller, consumer organisms

Tertiary consumers

animals, birds, reptiles etc. at the top of the food web that consume primary and/or secondary consumers