Transcript Tropical Rainforests

Tropical Rainforests
By Anna McCarson
Characteristics
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Tree branches start growing at 100 ft
Heavy rainfall
High humidity
Warm temperature
Large variety of plants and animals
Unique adaptations
Provide many resources to humans
In danger
Location
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Typically on or around the equator
In places with year-round warmth
Rainforests cover less than 6% of Earth’s land
surface
Climate
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Temperature between 68˚F and 93˚F
Rains year-round
Annual rainfall between 125 cm and 660 cm
Average humidity levels between 77% and 88%
Distinct wet and dry seasons
Structure
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Four main layers: forest floor, understory, canopy
(also known as upper canopy), and emergent
Forest floor- very dark, little plant growth; decay
takes place quickly
Understory- many animals, high level of insects, little
sunlight
Upper canopy- abundant food, many animals, shelters
layers underneath, many plants
Emergent- large amount of sunlight, tall trees emerge
Biodiversity
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More than half of the world’s animal species and
4/5 of its plant species live in tropical rainforests
Large abundance of mammals, reptiles, birds,
insects, and plants
Each species plays a role in keeping the
rainforest healthy (flying foxes, insects pollinate
flowers)
Plant Life
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Pitcher plant
Orchid
Liana (climbing vine)
Bromeliad (flower in the pineapple family)
Strangler (member of the fig family)- it
“strangles” a tree until the tree dies
Epiphytes (air plants)- grow on other trees
Saprophytes- decomposers
Plant Adaptations
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Oily coatings
Drip tips
Grooved leaves
Turning leaf stalks- turn towards the sun for
maximum light
Stilt roots- extra support in wet soil
Leaf size depends on elevation
Animal Life
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Scarlet macaw
Toucan
Red-eyed tree frog
Poison dart frog (also known as Poison arrow frog)
Capuchin monkey
Spider monkey
Anteater
Capybara
Jaguar
Kinkajou
Anaconda
Animal Adaptations
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Coral snake- special jaw helps it capture prey in
mid-air
Striped possum and lemur aye-aye- long finger
on foreleg to pick insects off of trees
Jaguar- able to capture prey on ground and carry
it up a tree to eat
Eagle owl- powerful claws to catch prey
Green basilisk- special feet enable them to run
on water
Insect Life
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Leafcutter ant
Army ant
Blue morpho butterfly
Postman butterfly
Rhinoceros beetle
Centipede
Snails
Slugs
Predator vs. Prey
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Jaguar- fish, rodents, other small mammals
Anaconda- birds, fish, rodents, other reptiles
Red-eyed tree frog, poison dart frog- crickets,
other small insects
Howler monkey- insects
Green basilisk- insects, small rodents
Resources
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Oxygen
Wood
Medicine
Fruit/agriculture
Fibers (carpets)
Oils (soaps, other cosmetics)
Gums/resins (rubber products, paint)
Threats
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Global warming
Pollution
Logging
Expanded housing/living spaces for humans
Limited abiotic factors
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Space
Water
Air
Preservation
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Non-profit organizations
Government programs
Educational programs
Sanctuaries
Campaigns
Laws/restrictions
Tours to raise awareness
Fun Facts
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Tropical rainforests produce 40% of the world’s
oxygen
About one-fourth of our medicines come from
tropical rainforests
Over 1400 tropical plants could be potential
cures for cancer
The world’s rainforests are being destroyed at a
rate of 6000 acres (4000 football fields)/hour