Ecosystems

Tropical Climate&heavy rainfall.

Home to 50-70% of all life forms.

Very small amount of Earth's surface.

Most complex ecosystem.

Found in South America, Africa and South East Asia.

80 degrees celcius all year & 400-1000cm of rain

Shrub layer- Dense plant growth

Under canopy

Canopy- 50% of forest wildlife

Emergents- Tallest trees

Mining, slash&burn, Road building & logging are destroying the rainforest

Similar to grassland but has scattered trees.

Seasons; Cool&dry, hot&dry, warm&wet.

Found in central&southern Africa, Australia, North&east South America.

Savannas are found between tropical rainforests&deserts.

Vegetation grows when it rains.

Some plants prevent loss of water by having thorns instead of leaves.

The soil gets soakes and grass grows rapidly during wet season.

Land that recieves lots of sunshine& little rain.

Little or no vegetation.

Hardly any clouds, little rain, hot days& cold nights.

Found in Tropics if Cancer& Capricon.

Summer; hot, little rainfall, avger. temp. 35 degrees.

No cooling effect.

Autumn/winter; much cooler, more rainfall, looses heat rapidly.

Living community of plants& animals.

Examples of ecosystems; tropical rainforests, rivers, mountains& grassland.

Include animals, light, people, water& temperature.

Do not include fire, earthquakes, cyclones and hurrricanes.