Tropical Rainforests

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Distribution:

Between 0-23 N/S of the equator (most between 1- 10)

6% of the planet is covered with rain forests

Climate:

There is low altitude (relief)

high amounts of precipitation and rainfall *******

Adaptations:

Jaguars - small, can live on trees for months when forest floor is flooded,

strong, short limbs and sharp canine teeth, catch and eat prey efficiently,

stocky, muscular build,

strong jaw, can kill prey with a single bite

Toucan - colorful so they can blend in to their surroundings,

large bills to eat efficiently,

can turn themselves into small balls so that they can fit in small spaces,

2 claws in the front and 2 in the back, perfect for standing on trees and balance

Monkey - tail, hang suspended from trees and swings through the canopy layer

uses long limbs to pick up fruit and food

tail used for balance

strong, powerful tail that acts as an extra limb,

Leaves - drip tips to shed heavy rainfall and prevent breakage, helps transpiration,

fallen leaves rot quickly in the hot wet climate, prevents a buildup of leaves,

large leaves to catch sunlight,

Trees - large buttress roots stand above the ground to give support to the trees,

straight and tall, branch-less and thin to reach sunlight

grow tall as they must compete for sunlight

Floor - river floods for several months each year,

fallen leaves rot quickly due to the hot wet climate

floor is dark and damp, so there is very little undergrowth

dense undergrowth develops near rivers and forest dwellings where there is no sunlight,

Lianas - vine like plants,

use large trees to climb up to reach the canopy and get sunlight.