Vegetation in the Tropical Equatorial Rainforest
Refers to AQA A2 Geography
Ecosystems: Change and Challenge Option
- Created by: Bethany
- Created on: 20-04-14 11:47
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- Tropical Equatorial Rainforest ~ Vegetation
- Why is the rainforest so diverse and productive?
- Often untouched by humans - have been untouched by modern society over thousands of years so have developed into DYNAMIC EQUALIBRIUM
- Vegetation is at harmony with its enviroment and is a CLIMATIC CLIMAX COMMUNITY.
- What are the characteristic features?
- 2,220 g m^-2 yr^-1 net primary productivity
- The figure is so high as the growing season in year-round and also that leaf litter is quickly decomposed, replacing nutrients taken up by vegetation.
- Evergreen appearence
- Although most trees are deciduous, individual trees lose their leaves at different times of the year.
- Always some trees in full leaf
- Huge species diversity
- Up to 300 tree species in a square km
- Commonly include mahogony, teak, rosewood, rubber, bolsa and brazil nut
- Up to 300 tree species in a square km
- STRATIFICATION (distinct layered appearence)
- tallest trees (emergent) stand up to 45m tall, well above the dense canopy where they will find maximum sunlight.
- The canopy layer (30-35m high) absorbs most of the sunlight and rain.
- The forest floor
- Fungi growth on trees and other plants inhabits the forest floor.
- Important role in decomposing litter.
- Very few dead leaves on surface - seeds from trees germanate quickly.
- When a tree dies, it brings down others as it falls, creating a clearing.
- New trees quickly grow, taking advantage of light.
- Fungi growth on trees and other plants inhabits the forest floor.
- 2,220 g m^-2 yr^-1 net primary productivity
- How has the vegetation developed/ adapted to meet the physical conditions of the rainforest?
- Trees grow rapidly upwards towards the light and their trunks are slender with few branches.
- Leaves are at the tops of trees were they absorb light and photosynthesise.
- Thin bark as trees do not need protection from harsh winter temperatures.
- Tallest trees have flexible trunks that can allow movement, as winds above ground layer are very strong.
- Allows trees to sway without breaking.
- As minerals needed by trees are found only in the top layer of soil, tree roots do not grow deep but spread out on the forest floor.
- BUTTRESS ROOTS, emerging up to 3m from the ground, help to stabalise the tallest trees
- Trees adapted to regular heavy rainfall by drip-tips, allowing excess water to be easily shed.
- Some leaves thick and leathery to withstand instense sunlight and reduce water loss.
- Forest floor dark so epiphytes such as lianas grow on trees.
- Trees grow rapidly upwards towards the light and their trunks are slender with few branches.
- Why is the rainforest so diverse and productive?
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