1. HOW THE FOREST WORKS

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

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