Physical Environment of Tropical Rainforests

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the physical environment of tropical rainforests.

Tropical Rainforest

A hot, humid biome located near the equator, characterized by high rainfall and diverse plant and animal species.

Convection Rain

A type of rain that occurs due to the heating of air which rises and cools, resulting in a heavy downpour, often in the afternoon.

Evapotranspiration

The process by which trees absorb water from the soil and release water vapor into the air, contributing to humidity.

Climatic Characteristics

Factors that define the climate of a region, such as temperature, rainfall, and seasonal variations.

Emergent Layer

The uppermost layer of a rainforest, consisting of tall trees that can reach heights of up to 50 meters.

Canopy Layer

The dense layer of trees that forms a ceiling in the rainforest, blocking a significant amount of sunlight from reaching lower layers.

Understory Layer

The layer below the canopy, characterized by shorter plants that grow in the shade of the canopy.

Ground Layer

The forest floor, which is dark and damp, supporting only a limited amount of vegetation due to low sunlight.

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal species found within a particular habitat, such as tropical rainforests.

Slash and Burn Farming

An agricultural technique involving the clearing of forest land by cutting and burning vegetation to create arable land.

Indigenous Tribes

Native peoples who have lived in a specific area, such as rainforests, for thousands of years, often relying on traditional practices for survival.