Flashcards
Rainforest biome
Cards in this deck (16)
- 1BiomeA unique region of the world defined by its climate
- 2Characteristics of a biomeSoils
Climate
Flora
Fauna - 3Distribution/Location23.5 degree N/S of Equator
In the Tropics
Low latitude
S. America, Africa & SE Asia
Formerly 14% of earth covered
Now 6% of earth is covered
Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru - 4BiodiversityLarge collection of flora & fauna
1 hectare = 42,000 species
Bananas, peppers, coffee, palm oil, cocoa - 5Layers/PartsForest floor
Understorey
Canopy
Emergent - 6Emergent layerTallest Trees = 40m to 80m
Birds like the scarlet macaw & insects
Trees are spaced far apart
Small & pointed leaves
Straight, smooth trunks with few branches
Root system is very shallow - 7Canopy layer20 – 40 m above the ground
Insects, spiders, birds (Toucan & Hornbill)
Orangutan, Howler & Spider monkey
Snakes, lizards & frogs
Epiphytes (Vines), mosses, Lichens
Flowers like orchids
Fruits of trees - 8UnderstoreyVery little light = plant life is limited.
Short, leafy mostly non-flowering plants. Shurbs, small trees, ferns + vines.
Insects ( beetles & bees)
spiders, snakes, lizards.
Some birds live + nest here
Larger animals = Jaguars - 9Forest floorLots of animal life
Insects + Spiders eg tarantulas.
Anteaters, Wild Boar, Tapirs, Jaguars.
Amerindians.
1-3% of light get to floor
Fungi/bacteria make plant litter
Green, leafy shrubs - 10ClimateHot, wet & humid (77%-88% humidity)
No real seasons
The sun is directly overhead
12 hrs. of sunlight daily
Average Temp=27 degrees
small temp range
2000mm avg rainfall
Convectional rain - 11SoilsLatosols
Red = Alumina & iron oxide
Laterisation
Finely balanced
No clear profile
Leaching
Laterite
Short Nutrient cycle - 12VegetationSmall or big leaves
Buttress & Stilt roots
Shallow roots
Drip tips
40% of Earth's air
1/4 of all medicines
Fruits & flowers spread seeds
Thin, straight tree trunks - 13Giant AnteaterAnts & termites
Large sharp claws
Long narrow snout
Stick long tongue
Keen sense of smell - 14JaguarCamouflage
Long tail for balance
Ambush predator
Long retractable claws
Can climb/Run up trees
Only in S. American rain forest - 15Spider monkeyStrong limbs for climbing
Tail for balance & 5th limb
Nimble & quick
Rarely on the ground
Live in troops for safety
Loud noise to communicate/warn - 16TapirMammal
Water & land
Can swim & dive
Used to eat meat now eats plants
Small trunk like nose
Color to avoid detection