Important ecosystem with distinct characteristics and adaptations
Face threats which need to be managed to ensure their survival
Biodiversity
The range of animals and plants in a given area
Biotic
Living elements of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals
Abiotic
Non-living elements of an ecosystem, such as climate, temperature, water, and soil type
Climate of tropical rainforests
Very wet with over 2,000 mm of rainfall per year
Very warm with an average daily temperature of 28°C
Temperature never drops below 20°C and rarely exceeds 35°C
Atmosphere is hot and humid
Consistent all year round with no seasons
Soil in tropical rainforests
Not very fertile
Thin layer of fertile soil at the surface where dead leaves decompose
Red in colour due to being rich in iron
Nutrients quickly washed out due to heavy rainfall
Plants and animals in tropical rainforests
Wide range of plant species
Supports many different animals, birds and insects
Species have adapted to the conditions of the rainforest, eg trees and plants have shallow-reaching roots to absorb nutrients from the thin fertile layer in the soil
