Case Study 2 Tropical Rainforest Learning Objective. To know and understand how the rainforest ecosystem operates.

Location

Cross Section of forest

Survival of the fittest… Characteristics of the Tropical Rainforests Constant high temperatures – average 27 ˚ c High solar light intensity Regular and high rainfall – 2000 mm per year (2 metres of rain)

Characteristics of the Tropical Rainforests

Constant high temperatures – average 27 ˚ c

High solar light intensity

Regular and high rainfall – 2000 mm per year (2 metres of rain)

Adaptation to climate Trees grow upwards in competition with one another for the sunlight Leaf growth is only concentrated in the canopy Leaves are thick and hard-wearing to withstand heat of the sun and drip tips to shed heavy rain. No branches lower down on the major trees (see fig 1). This saves energy.

Adaptation to climate

Trees grow upwards in competition with one another for the sunlight

Leaf growth is only concentrated in the canopy

Leaves are thick and hard-wearing to withstand heat of the sun and drip tips to shed heavy rain.

No branches lower down on the major trees (see fig 1). This saves energy.

Rainforest Floor Dark Forest Floor Ferns are the main vegetation type as their leaves are able to intercept a high proportion of light that reaches them.

FACTS The Amazon Rainforest has been described as the "Lungs of our Planet" because it provides the essential environmental world service of continuously recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen. More than 20 percent of the world oxygen is produced in the Amazon Rainforest. One and one-half acres of rainforest are lost every second with tragic consequences for both developing and industrial countries.

The Amazon Rainforest has been described as the "Lungs of our Planet" because it provides the essential environmental world service of continuously recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen. More than 20 percent of the world oxygen is produced in the Amazon Rainforest.

One and one-half acres of rainforest are lost every second with tragic consequences for both developing and industrial countries.

Latosol Profile Characteristics Red/brown in colour showing iron and oxides in there They are 20-30 METRES deep Leaching is a big problem. Leaching washes all the organic material downwards then out of the soil. Top layer is the most important. All the fallen leaves decay quickly with the high temperatures and humidity.

Characteristics

Red/brown in colour showing iron and oxides in there

They are 20-30 METRES deep

Leaching is a big problem. Leaching washes all the organic material downwards then out of the soil.

Top layer is the most important. All the fallen leaves decay quickly with the high temperatures and humidity.

Building your case study Read over the information on page 94 and 95 in Understanding Geography. Fill out the summary sheet. Explain how the rainforest vegetation is adapted to the climatic conditions. Use pages 182, 186 and 187 in Foundation Wider World. Fill in sheet Impact of Deforestation. Produce your own diagram to show effects of deforestation in Brazil.

Read over the information on page 94 and 95 in Understanding Geography.

Fill out the summary sheet.

Explain how the rainforest vegetation is adapted to the climatic conditions.

Use pages 182, 186 and 187 in Foundation Wider World.

Fill in sheet Impact of Deforestation.

Produce your own diagram to show effects of deforestation in Brazil.