Rainforest Adaptations Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What are buttress roots and how do they help a rainforest tree?

Wide roots spreading from the base of the trunk that support trees as they grow very tall (over 50 m) competing for sunlight.

Why do many rainforest leaves have drip tips?

They channel the very heavy rainfall to a point so it runs off quickly and the leaf is not damaged.

How do lianas and epiphytes adapt to the lack of light lower down in the rainforest?

Lianas climb up tree trunks and epiphytes live on branches in the canopy, so both reach sunlight for photosynthesis.

Give one way animals adapt to conditions in the tropical rainforest.

Many live in the canopy where the food is, with strong limbs and gripping tails for climbing.

True or false? The floor of a tropical rainforest is covered in dense undergrowth.

False. Only about 2% of sunlight reaches the forest floor, so undergrowth is sparse except near rivers, swamps and clearings.

Why do many tropical rainforest trees have thin, smooth bark?

The climate is warm all year, so thick insulating bark is not needed, and a smooth trunk helps the heavy rain drain off quickly.