By: Jenn Jarosh

 Most trees are dormant and 50% may be evergreen.  Insects, mammals, and birds make seasonal migrations to wetter habitats.  Trees, flowers and insects appear to pollinate.  This is when the pace of life quickens.  Trees are tallest in the wettest areas.

 Tropical dry forests occupy a substantial portion of the earths surface.  Africa- North and South of Central African Rain Forest  Americas- North and South of Amazon Rain Forest. West Coast of Central America, and North America along the West Coast of Mexico.  Asia- Most of India and Indochina Peninsula.  Australian Tropical Dry Forests form a continuous band across the Northern and Northeastern portions of the continent.

 Dry season lasts between 6-7 months. ~About May to October.  Followed by abundant rainfall. That lasts about 5-6 months. ~ About November to April.  Soil- Less acidic and richer in nutrients  However torrential rain makes the soil highly vulnerable to erosion

 Many frogs and insects burrow deep into mud  Birds and monkeys retreat to damp areas, such as stream beds.  These forests can support a surprising diversity of amphibians, and of course, reptiles can be very abundant in dry forest, where tough skin and hard- shelled eggs give them an advantage.  Deciduousness is not the only option.  Some have rich green chlorophyll filled bark.

 Deciduousness is not the only option.  Some have rich green chlorophyll filled bark.  Some vegetation has water storage tissues. ~ swollen roots ~ an extra waxy layer on leaves ~ nyctinasty- closing of leaves at night

 Heavy human settlement has devastated the tropical dry forest.  The relatively fertile soil attracts agricultural development: ~Cattle ranches ~grain farmers ~cotton fields  Dry season makes the land more accessible and easier to burn.

Ecology Concepts and Applications