Chapter 54
What is the tropic climate
what is natural vegetation?
What are the characteristics of tropical rainforests?
What are tropical rainforests and where are they found?
How have plants in the tropical rainforests adapted to their environment?
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the climate of a given liocation determines the type of natural vegetation.
plant life which covers the world's and areas and develops without humans
the climate experienced by many areas found with the tropics, between tropic of cancer and tropic of capricorn
high annual rainfall of abou 2000 millimetres on averag and can go to 4500
dominated by rainforests and mangroves.
main type of natural vegetation found in parts of the world which experience the tropical climate.
can be found in central and south america, west and central africa as well as south and southeast asia.
most of the regions are close to the equator
the emergent layer: tallest trees are found here and can grow up to 30 metres or more
canopy layer:grows above 20 , below 30,grow very close to each other so their crowns interlock
the undergrowth layer: below the canopy layer,lesser resources.
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Broad Leaves
Description:
Broad leaves are wide and large in surface area.
They are typically found in plants located in environments with abundant sunlight, such as tropical rainforests.
Explanation:
The large surface area of broad leaves allows plants to capture more sunlight for photosynthesis.
In dense forest canopies where light is limited, broad leaves maximize the amount of light the plant can absorb.
Waxy Leaves
Description:
Waxy leaves have a thick, shiny, and often smooth coating known as the cuticle.
This waxy layer is typically made up of cutin and waxes.
Explanation:
The waxy cuticle helps reduce water loss through evaporation, making it an important adaptation for plants in dry or harsh environments.
It also provides some protection against herbivores and pathogens.
Drip Tips
Description:
Drip tips are pointed ends of leaves that facilitate water runoff.
They are commonly found in plants living in areas with high rainfall, such as tropical rainforests.
Explanation:
Drip tips help to shed excess water quickly, preventing water from accumulating on the leaf surface.
This adaptation helps prevent fungal growth and other diseases that thrive in moist conditions.
It also reduces the weight on the leaves and branches from water buildup.
Buttress Roots
Description:
Buttress roots are large, flared roots that extend from the trunk of the tree to the ground.
These roots are typically seen in tropical rainforest trees.
Explanation:
Buttress roots provide additional stability to large trees in shallow, nutrient-poor soils.
They help support the tree against strong winds and floods, common in tropical rainforest environments.
These roots can also increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
Shallow Underground Roots
Description:
Shallow underground roots spread horizontally near the soil surface.
These roots are common in plants that grow in environments where nutrients and water are concentrated near the surface.
Explanation:
In tropical rainforests, most of the nutrients are found in the top layer of the soil due to rapid decomposition of organic material.
Shallow roots allow plants to quickly absorb these nutrients before they are washed away by heavy rains.
They also enable the plants to take advantage of brief periods of surface moisture.