They are the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems

They have been relatively stable for a long time + don’t fluctuate seasonally

main survival is caused by biotic factors

Features:

Light

high light = more photosynthesis, providing lot of food energy o support rich food web

lots of competition for it

plants have evoloved to grow tall to have better access to light but need lots of energy to do so

smaller plants evoloved lower light levels

Temperature + rainfall

Constant warm temps + regular high rainfall allow plants to grow throughout the year

leading to reliable food supplies

Lack of seasons

As they don’t have to produce seeds at the same time = less competition for pollination

Nectar + fruits available all year round as food supply

trees are deciduous + shed leaves at different times

animals don’t have long periods where there is no food,

Inter species relationship

with no distinct seasons plant species don’t have to flower or produce seeds + fruit at the same times are each other

Importance

• high biodiversity

  • new food species

  • medical discoveries

  • biometric applications

• resources

  • resources

  • fibres

  • food

  • medicines

• carbon sequestration

• hydrological cycle

• soil erosion control

Threats

fuelwood collection

timber for construction + furniture

agricultural expansion

• mineral extraction

• reservoirs

• global climate change

• exploitation of individual species