Tropical Rainforests

• Tropical rainforests are found in the equatorial regions of the world.
• Tropical rainforests have high levels of biodiversity and are home to many species of plants and animals.
• There is little seasonal variation in temperature or precipitation.
• The climate is hot, humid, and wet with heavy rainfall throughout the year.
• Rainforest ecosystems are characterized by their complex web of interdependent relationships between organisms and their environment.
• The climate is hot, humid, and wet with an average annual rainfall of over 200cm.
• Most tropical rainforests occur between latitudes 15°N and S
• Layers of the Rainforest

  A) Emergent Layer

  B) Canopy Layer

  C) Undercanopy Layer

  D) Shrub Layer

  
• Emergent layer - tallest trees that rise above the canopy layer
• Undercanopy layer - lower level of vegetation below the canopy layer
• Canopy layer - thick layer of leaves and branches where most photosynthesis takes place
• Shrub layer - shrubs and bushes grow here
• Trees have adapted to the high temperatures and heavy rainfall through features like buttress roots which support them against wind damage and absorb water from the soil.
• Rainforests have high levels of biodiversity due to their warm, moist conditions and nutrient rich soil