Rainforests Lesson 1-3 (copy) (copy)

Tropical Rainforest

A biome characterized by high temperatures, high rainfall, and high biodiversity.

Low Nutrient Soil

Soil in tropical rainforests lacking in nutrients due to rapid uptake by plants.

High Biodiversity

The variety of different species found in a rainforest, making it one of the richest ecosystems.

Convectional Rainfall

A type of rainfall that occurs when warm air rises, cools, and condenses, leading to precipitation.

Equator

An imaginary line around the middle of the Earth where tropical rainforests are typically located.

Climate Graphs

Graphs that depict temperature and rainfall over a specific timeframe for a region.

Climate vs Weather

Climate refers to long-term atmospheric conditions, while weather refers to short-term changes.

Forest Floor

The bottom layer of the rainforest where only 2% of sunlight reaches.

Shrub Layer

A layer of the rainforest 0-10 meters tall, home to smaller plants and animals like alligators.

Under Canopy

A layer of rainforest 10-20 meters tall, consisting of young trees and species like sloths.

Canopy

The layer 20-30 meters tall, home to many birds and a key habitat for diverse species.

Emergents

The tallest layer of the rainforest, reaching heights of 30-40 meters, housing giant trees and birds.

Biodiversity Importance

High biodiversity in rainforests contributes to ecosystem stability and resilience.

Sunlight in the Rainforest

Sunlight in the rainforest is absorbed differently across layers, with the canopy receiving the most.

Direct Sunlight

Sunlight that hits the rainforest equator where temperatures are consistently high.

High Rainfall Characteristics

Tropical rainforests receive rainfall through convection, contributing to a humid climate.

Plant Competition

The struggle among rainforest plants for limited sunlight and nutrients.

Human Geography

The study of human activities and their relationship with the environment.

Physical Geography

The study of natural features and processes of the Earth.

Environmental Geography

Focuses on issues related to the environment and human impact.

Soil Nutrients

Essential elements required by plants, often depleted quickly in rainforest ecosystems.

Orchids

Plants commonly found in the shrub layer of tropical rainforests.

Lianas

Long woody vines in the canopy that climb trees for support.

Epiphytes

Plants that grow on other plants and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.

Rainforest Regions

Regions such as Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia characterized by tropical rainforests.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants use sunlight to produce food, crucial in ecosystems.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter in ecosystems.

Emergent Trees

Tallest trees in the rainforest that extend above the canopy.

Balsa Tree

The fastest growing tree in rainforests, known for its lightweight wood.

Rainforest Ecology

The study of interactions among organisms and their environment within rainforests.

Sloths

Slow-moving mammals found in the under canopy of tropical rainforests.

Howler Monkeys

Primates that are commonly found in the under canopy layer of the rainforest.

Rainforest Adaptations

Specific traits that plants and animals develop to survive in the rainforest environment.

Sunlight Absorption

The process in which plants utilize sunlight for growth and energy.

Climate Consistency

Lack of distinct seasons in tropical rainforests due to their location near the equator.

Plant Density

The concentration of plants in a given area, affecting competition for resources.

Image Annotation

Labeling geographical images to provide clarity and information about features.

Seasonal Changes

Variations in climate typically noted in temperate regions, contrasting with rainforest climates.

Tropical Location

Regions between the tropics where tropical rainforests are predominantly found.

Map Interpretation

The ability to read and analyze information presented through maps.

Rainfall Distribution

The variations in rainfall amounts across different geographical locations.