Sec 1 GE Ch5-2 Rainforests

Tropical climates receive abundant sunlight and

high rainfall

throughout the year.​

Characteristics of rainforests

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Found in the tropical climate zone in countries like:

South America, Africa and Southeast Asia​

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Largest rainforest:

AMAZON rainforest found in South America (6,000,000km2)​

Tropical Rainforest

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​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vijLre760w

Video: Intro to Tropcial Rainforests

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Have you been paying attention to the video?

Do you remember the details?​ 4 questions.

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(1) Rainforest plants are EVERGREEN

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They do not shed their leaves at particular times in the year​

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Continuously grow new leaves to replace older ones​

Characteristics of rainforests

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​Tropical Rainforests - remains green throughout the year (EVERGREEN)

Temperate forests leaves turn yellow in Autumn and fall off the trees in winter.​ (DECIDUOUS)

(2) Rainforests have a very large variety of plant species

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More than any other ecosystem in the world

Characteristics of rainforests

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e.g. Tempinis Tree

e.g. Tembusu Tree​

e.g. Banana tree

e.g. Rubber Tree​

(3) Rainforests trees have a distinct 3 layer vertical forest structure

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Intense competition for sunlight causes trees in the rainforest to grow as tall as possible​

Characteristics of rainforests

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(3) Rainforests trees have a distinct 3 layer vertical forest structure

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3 layers:

Emergent

Canopy

Undergrowth​

Characteristics of rainforests

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EMERGENT layer

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Tallest trees grow

up to 30m or more

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Characteristics of rainforests

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CANOPY layer

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Most other trees grow up to 20m-30m in height

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Trees grow very close to each other so their crowns interlock to form a continuous layer of branches and leaves​

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Canopy blocks 97% of sunlight from reaching the forest floor​

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Characteristics of rainforests

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UNDERGROWTH layer

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Not many plants grow here as there is very little sunlight

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Smaller plants and seedlings of taller trees that can grow in the shade​

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Characteristics of rainforests

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​https://tourthetropics.com/guides/most-fascinating-plants-in-the-amazon-rainforest/

How much can you remember?