Tropical Rainforests

• The climate of a rainforest is humid.
• There are 4 layers in a rainforest: shrub layer, lower tree canopy, middle canopy & top canopy.
• Rainforest nutrient cycle:

  1. Trees shed leaves all year round.
  2. Decaying vegetation decomposes rapidly.
  3. Nutrients enter the soil.
  4. Shallow roots take up the nutrients.
  5. Trees grow rapidly.
  6. Repeat.
• Rainforests only have 1 season, as they are on the equator, meaning the sun is always overhead.
• The 'goods' and 'services' that can be found in a rainforest are freshwater, medicine, plants & animals.
• Tropical rainforests contain half of all plants & animals in the world, thousands of species.
• Tropical rainforests absorb and store carbon dioxide, a gas partly responsible for climate change.
• 28% of the world's oxygen comes from rainforests, preventing it from being too hot or dry.
• 25% of all medicines come from rainforest plants, over 2000 have anti-cancer properties.
• Tropical rainforest trees provide valuable hardwood, nuts, fruits & rubber.
• Tropical rainforests are important sources for clean water, 20% of all fresh water is from the Amazon.
• Indigenous tribes live in the world's rainforests, using up the resources without long-term effects.
• Goods of a tropical rainforest include:

  • Native food crops (fruits/nuts)
  • Wild meat and fish
  • Building materials (timber)
  • Energy from HEP
  • Water
  • Medicines
  • Useful products (rope/rubber)
• Services of a tropical rainforest include:

  • Air purification (absorbing C02)
  • Water/nutrient recycling
  • Protection against soil erosion
  • Wildlife habitats
  • Biodiversity
  • Employment opportunities
• The goods of a rainforest are things that can be obtained directly from the rainforest.
• The services of a rainforest are benefits that the rainforest offer to both people and the environment.