Tropical rainforest ecosystems distinctive charcteristics

Outline of Tropical Rainforest Structure and Climate

I. Structure of the Rainforest

A. Layers of the Rainforest

1. Emergent Layer

   • Tallest trees (>50 m)

   • Example: Kapok tree

2. Canopy

   • Dense layer, blocks sunlight

   • Houses 50%+ of wildlife (birds, snakes, monkeys)

   • Contains climbing plants (lianas) and epiphytes

3. Under-Canopy

   • Features bare tree trunks and lianas

4. Shrub Layer

   • Densest vegetation (shrubs, ferns)

   • Houses young trees needing less light

5. Forest Floor

   • Dark, damp; layer of litter

   • Rapid decomposition forms nutrient-rich humus

   • Poor nutrient levels in deeper soil due to leaching

II. Plant Adaptations

• Emergent trees: branches only at crown

• Under-canopy plants: large leaves for photosynthesis

• Trees: wide buttress roots and thin bark for support and water absorption

• Shrub layer plants: drip tips and waxy leaves

III. Climate of the Rainforest

• Location: Near the Equator; warm and wet conditions

• Average temperatures: 26-28°C; rarely below 20°C or above 35°C

• High rainfall: over 2000 mm annually

IV. Nutrient Cycle

• Nutrients stored mainly in biomass

• Rapid recycling due to warm, moist conditions

• Decomposers play crucial role in breaking down organic material

• Fragility: deforestation leads to infertility and leaching of soil nutrients.