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GQ 1: What are Tropical Rainforests?
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Mind Map on GQ 1: What are Tropical Rainforests?, created by Wak Fairus on 25/04/2014.
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GQ 1: What are Tropical Rainforests?
Characteristics of Tropical Rainforests
Diversity of Plant Species
Variety of plants and animals. Large Biodiversity. 0.01 km contains about 300 different species of animals
Structure of the tropical rainforest
Emergent Layer
From 50m to 80m. Trees rise above the canopy layer
Formed by the crown of trees. Very tall and straight with smooth trunks
Examples: Tualang Tree and Kapok Tree
Canopy Layer
20m to 50m. Crowns of trees grow in a continuous canopy layer like and umbrella blocking 90% of sunlight
Lianas and Epiphytes can be found in this layer. They grow to get as much sunlight as it can.
Undergrowth Layer
20m and below. It is generally darker because sun's rays are blocked by the canopy. Plants have larger leaves to capture sunlight
Plants widely spaced and sparse due to lack on sunlight. Forest floor hot and wet encouraging decomposition leaving layer of leaf litter
Adaptation of Plants
Bark and Branches
Tall and straight trunks with branches near top of trees. Helps trees get most sunlight
Smooth bark allows rainwater to flow easily from crown to roots of trees
Leaves
Broad leaves to capture sunlight
Waxy, Hairy and leathery surface to minimise loss of moisture through transpiration
Drip tips to allow water to run off easily. This is to prevent fungal growth on leaves
Fruits and Flowers
Fruits and flowers are bright and colourful and strong smelling. This attracts insects and other animals for dispersal of seeds or pollination
Roots
Buttress roots: Large roots that grow 1 to 5 m above ground. This is to support the heavy weight of trees which are very tall
Roots are shallow as nutrients are mostly in the top layer of soil
Water available throughout the year, so no need for deep roots
Uses of Tropical Rainforests
Water Catchment
Refers to an area drained by a river and the smaller rivers that flow into it
Water drips from trees and seeps into the ground. This is stored as groundwater
Impurities in the water is trapped by the soil before it flows into the reservoir
Example: Central Catchment Nature Reserve Singapore
Green Lungs of the Earth
Trees in the forests absorb carbon dioxide from atmosphere and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis
Trees also act as the earth's natural air purifier as they absorb tonnes of CO2 every year
Dense vegetation also keeps the earth cool!
Habitat to Flora and Fauna
Home to more than 2 million species which represents over half of the world's species of flora and fauna
Ample sunlight allows plants to convert it into energy and food. Animals will in turn eat the food provided.
Canopy is a habitat where other plants can grow and animals can live.
Examples: Trilobite Beetle, Macaque
Habitat to Indigenous people
Many indigenous people live in Rainforests for thousands of years. It provides them with basic necessities such as food and water
Known as hunter gatherers, they gather and grow food that is only just enough for their needs
Shifting cultivators grow their own plants and medicine by burning vegetation to provide nutrients for soil.
Example - Penan of Sarawak
Source of timber
Forests trees can be cut down as timber. This can be made into furniture and other uses
Examples: Meranti, Teak wood, Mahogany
Medical Application
Rainforests contain plants that can contain medicinal properties and cures for diseases. 3000 plants have been identified in the Amazon Rainforest
Example: Cinchona Tree used to treat malaria. Madagascar Periwinkle trests childhood leukemia
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