Transcript Rainforests - Ms Sheehan`s Website

Rainforests
Introduction
Rainforests are known for their warm climates ,tall trees
and large amounts of rain.They exist in the region of
the earth known as the tropics.In this region the sun
shines almost the same amount everyday,creating a
warm,stable climate.Rainforests are important for a
variety of reasons such as their diverse lifeform and
the role they play in regulating climate.Rainforests
are divided into many layers that create distinctive
homes to plants and animals.The layers of the
rainforest are forest floor,understory,canopy and the
emergents.
The bird of paradise
The bird of paradise is the prettiest of all birds in
the rainforest.The bird of paradise was named
when the spanish royal court first saw it’s
feathers in the 16th century.They said that their
feathers were so beautiful that they came from
paradise.There were once 43 different types of
birds of paradise.The prettiest of them all is the
blue bird of paradise.
Sloths are extremly slow moving
mammals found in the
rainforest canopies of central
and south America.There are
two species of sloths : two-toed
and three-toed.Most sloths are
the size of a small dog and
they have short flat flat
heads.Their hair is greyishbrown but at times they look
grey-green in colour because
they move so slowly that tiny
camouflaging algae grows all
over their tiny coats.
Sloths
The poison arrow frog
Poison arrow frogs are social frogs found in
central and south America.They are known by
their bright colours.Which warn other animals
that they are poisonus.It’s poison is one of the
most powerful and known.It can cause
paralysis or death.It is so potent that one
millionth of an ounce can kill a dog and an
amount smaller than a grain of salt can kill a
human.It has enough poison to kill 100 people.
The Rafflesia
Rafflesia is the worlds largest flower.Which belongs to
the genius of parasitic flowering plants.Rafflesia is
the official state flower of Indonesia the sabah state
in Malaysia and also for the suratThaniProvince in
Thailand.This flower was discovered in the
Indonesian rainforest by an Indonesian guide
working for Dr.Joseph Arnold in 1818.It was named
after sir Thomas stamford Raffles the leader of the
expedition.
The Bird Of Paradise Flower
The bird of paradise flower is a striking
herbaceous plant.That is easily identifable with
its unusual, colourful plumage.It is a popular
cut flower and can be orderd by your local
florist.It can also be garden grown but in
warmer climates (it will never happen in
Ireland) such as southern Florida,California
and Hawaii.
Orchids
Orchids can be found naturally in their environments but there are
even more hybrids available today. Many species of orchids
grow best in cold conditions however there are several species
that grow very well in room temperatures between 75 and 85
degrees Fahrenheit, with the proper amounts of air, fertilizer,
light, and water. Because of this orchids have become one of
today’s most favorite house plants.
Different species of orchid flowers bloom differently. One type of
orchid may bloom only once a year and another may bloom
several times a year. A few even bloom continuously year round.
The blooms also last for a different length time depending on
the specie. The Phalenopsis orchid plant is one of the easiest
orchids to grow. It adapts very well to the home or office
environment. The Phalaenopsis bud opens, and the sprays will
stay open for two to three months. While a Cattleyas orchid
plant will last only up to a month after the bud opens
.
The yanomami tribe
The Yanomami live in large, circular, communal houses called
yanos or shabonos. Some can house up to 400 people. The
central area is used for activities such as rituals, feasts and
games.
Each family has its own hearth where food is prepared and cooked
during the day. At night, hammocks are slung near the fire
which is stoked all night to keep people warm.
The Yanomami believe strongly in equality among people. Each
community is independent from others and they do not recognize
‘chiefs’. Decisions are made by consensus, frequently after long
debates where everybody has a say.
Like most Amazonian tribes, tasks are divided between the sexes.
Men hunt for game like peccary, tapir, deer and monkey, and
often use curare (a plant extract) to poison their prey.
The kayapo tribe
The Kayapó tribe were formerly considered to be a very warlike and aggressive
tribe, but are also a highly evolved group ecologically, exemplifying living
in balance with the ecosystem. They use a precise knowledge of insect
behaviour to control agricultural pests.
For example nests of "smelly ants" (genus Azleca) are deliberately placed in
gardens and on fruit trees that are infested with leaf-cutting ants. The
pheromones of the "smelly ants" repel the leaf-cutters. These protective ants
are also highly praised for their medicinal properties and are frequently
crushed and their highly aromatic scents inhaled to open up the sinuses.
The Kayapó tribe get medicines form 650 different plants they find around
their village.
All parts of the surrounding jungle are utilized by them for practical and
medicinal purposes. Each village has its specialists in soils, plants, animals,
crops, medicines, and rituals. The Kayapo are aware that some species of
plants develop more vigorously when planted together. They frequently
speak of plants that are "good friends" or "good neighbours
Conclusion
I really enjoyed doing my
project it was really
fun.Ilearned lots about it and
I hope you enjoyed it a big
thanks to ms.sheehan 