Key characteristics of tropical rainforests
Tropical rainforests are mostly found in a belt 25掳 north or south of the Equator. They have distinct characteristics that support a wide variety of different A type of organism that is the basic unit of classification. Individuals of different species are not able to interbreed successfully.. This means that they have a high The range of animals and plants in a given area. . The Living elements of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals. or living components of the ecosystem and the Non-living elements of an ecosystem, such as climate, temperature, water, and soil type. or non-living components of the ecosystem depend on one another - a change in one leads to a change in the other.
Climate
- Very wet with over 2,000 mm of rainfall per year.
- Very warm with an average daily temperature of 28掳C. The temperature never drops below 20掳C and rarely exceeds 35掳C.
- The atmosphere is hot and When the air holds a lot of moisture..
- The climate is consistent all year round. There are no seasons.
Soil
- Most of the soil is not very When soil is rich in nutrients..
- A thin layer of fertile soil is found at the surface where the dead leaves decompose.
- Nutrient cycling is very rapid due to the humid conditions that help dead matter to decompose quickly. Bacteria and fungi also help to break down dead matter and return nutrients to the soil.
- It is red in colour because it is rich in iron.
- Due to heavy rainfall the nutrients are quickly washed out of the soil.
Plants and animals
- The warm and very wet climate provides perfect conditions for plant growth.
- The wide range of plant A type of organism that is the basic unit of classification. Individuals of different species are not able to interbreed successfully. supports many different animals, birds and insects.
- Species have adapted to the conditions of the rainforest, eg trees and plants have shallow-reaching roots to absorb nutrients from the thin fertile layer in the soil.
Structure of a tropical rainforest
A tropical rainforest is made up of the following layers:
- Ground level - contains less vegetation due to the dark, damp conditions, a thick layer of decomposing leavesand the buttress root of trees.
- Shrub layer - dense and dark with small plants.
- Under canopy - contains younger trees and saplings competing for light in dark conditions.
- Main canopy - the 'roof' of the forest. Contains tall trees, climbing plants like vines and A plant (vine) which grows up from the roots of trees in the rainforest.. 50% of rainforest life is found here.
- Emergent - contains the tallest trees emerging out of canopy.