Kategorier: Alle - adaptations - vegetation - roots

af CHRIS DANIELS LEE N/A 9 år siden

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Structure and Adaptation of rainforests

Rainforests are characterized by a variety of structural layers, each with unique features and vegetation types. The canopy layer consists of dense trees with interlocking crowns, creating a nearly continuous cover.

Structure and Adaptation of rainforests

Structure and Adaptation of rainforests

Undergrowth layer

They have much bigger leaves than the trees in other layers.
Thin layer of leaf litter
Vegetation is sparse and underdeveloped

Canopy layer

The trees between 20-30m.
Lianas are thick woody vines that twine on trees and epiphytes which are plants that grow on trees are found in this layer.
Trees are very dense and have crowns that interlock to form an almost continuous cover.

Emergent layer

Upper layer where some trees rise and tower above other trees.
Consists of the tallest trees in the rainforests(up to80m)
Trees in this layer have tall, straight and smooth trunks with few branches

Adaptations

Shallow roots have access to more nutrients as it is on the topsoil. Butress roots to support the heavy weight of the trees.
Fruits are colourful and strong -smelling as this would help to disperse the fruits as wind dispersal as the wind is very stale and does not move much under the canopy.
Smooth bark allows rainwater to flow easily from the crown to the root of the trees.
Drip-tips allow water to flow off the leaves and reduce the chances of bacteria and fungi from growing on them. Waxy surfaces help leaves to minimise the loss of moisture through transpiration.