tropical rainforests

• what is the distribution of tropical rainforests?

  centred along the equator and can be found in places like South America and Africa
• what is interdependence?

  where plants and animals depend on each other for survival
• the hot and damp conditions on the forest floor means rapid decomposition of dead plant material which provides many nutrients for plants
• what do drip tips do?

  allow water to run off easily so the weight doesn't damage the plant
• what do vines do?

  climb up trees to be able to reach sunlight
• what does the rainforest provide inhabitants with?

  food

  natural medicines

  materials
• what are the causes for deforestation?

  logging

  commercial farming - making space for cattle farming or plantations

  subsistance farming - small scale, growing food for themselves

  agriculture - land needed

  mineral extraction

  tourism
• what are the statergies for deforestation?

  selective logging

  education - people can then understand the consequences

  afforestation - the cut down trees are replaced

  forest reserved - areas are protected
• what are the 4 layers of the rainforest?

  shrub layer, under canopy, main canopy and emergent layer
• the trees have large stable buttress roots
• what does soil erosion cause?

  more water reaches the soil which reduces soil fertility as the nutrients are washed away