HOW THE FOREST WORKS

 The rainforests contain 50% of all the plant and animal species in the world.  The Amazon rainforest is 30 times the size of Britain.

Layers of the Forest  Emergents - up to 50m Canopy - 30m Canopy - 30m Under Canopy - 20m Under Canopy - 20m Shrub Layer - Forest floor Shrub Layer - Forest floor  Structured this way as the plants need light for the process of photosynthesis.  Canopy - is the engine of the rainforest. - catches most of the suns energy. - catches most of the suns energy. - flowers and fruits are abundant. - flowers and fruits are abundant. - most animals live in the canopy. - most animals live in the canopy.

Rainfall in the Amazon  The rainforest is one the hottest and wettest places on Earth, 2000mm of rain each year, temperature rarely below 25°C.  The reason is heavy Convectional Rainfall.

As air rises it cools, Condensation occurs Forming Clouds Hot Air Rises, Full of Moisture Heavy Rainfall Convectional Rainfall

Soils of the Amazon  Poor soils, contain few nutrients and minerals for the plants.  Roots of trees are near the earth’s surface due to lack of nutrients within soils.  Liana (creepers), grow up trunks of large trees.  Nutrient cycle vital to the rainforest.

Leaves fall to Forest floor Trees Grow Leaves Decompose Provides nutrients For trees Nutrient Cycle