Tropical Ecosystems in Rainforests

Tropical Ecosystems in Rainforests

Characteristics:

• Located near the equator (between 23.5°N and 23.5°S latitude)
• High temperatures (average 20-30°C) and high humidity throughout the year
• High levels of rainfall (at least 2 meters per year) with a short dry season

Biodiversity:

• Home to a vast array of plant and animal species (50-70% of all species on Earth)
• High levels of endemism (species found only in that specific region)
• Many species still unknown to science

Structural Layers:

• Emergent layer: tallest trees (up to 50 meters) that penetrate the atmosphere
• Canopy layer: dense layer of branches and leaves (20-30 meters) that filters sunlight
• Understory layer: shaded area with limited sunlight (10-20 meters)
• Forest floor: low-growing plants and decomposing organic matter

Ecological Processes:

• Nutrient cycling: rapid decomposition and recycling of nutrients due to high temperatures and humidity
• Epiphytism: plants growing on other plants (e.g., orchids on trees) without harming them
• Symbiotic relationships: mutualistic relationships between species (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi and tree roots)

Human Impact:

• Deforestation: widespread clearing of rainforests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging
• Habitat fragmentation: isolation of species and disruption of ecological processes
• Climate change: altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures affecting rainforest ecosystems

Tropical Ecosystems in Rainforests

Location and Climate

• Rainforests are located near the equator, between 23.5°N and 23.5°S latitude
• Characterized by high temperatures, averaging 20-30°C, and high humidity throughout the year
• Receive high levels of rainfall, with at least 2 meters per year, and a short dry season

Biodiversity

• Home to 50-70% of all species on Earth
• High levels of endemism, with species found only in that specific region
• Many species still unknown to science

Structural Layers

Emergent Layer

• Tallest trees, up to 50 meters, that penetrate the atmosphere

Canopy Layer

• Dense layer of branches and leaves, 20-30 meters, that filters sunlight

Understory Layer

• Shaded area with limited sunlight, 10-20 meters

Forest Floor

• Low-growing plants and decomposing organic matter

Ecological Processes

• Nutrient cycling: rapid decomposition and recycling of nutrients due to high temperatures and humidity
• Epiphytism: plants growing on other plants, e.g., orchids on trees, without harming them
• Symbiotic relationships: mutualistic relationships between species, e.g., mycorrhizal fungi and tree roots

Human Impact

• Deforestation: widespread clearing of rainforests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging
• Habitat fragmentation: isolation of species and disruption of ecological processes
• Climate change: altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures affecting rainforest ecosystems

Explore the unique characteristics and biodiversity of tropical ecosystems found in rainforests near the equator, including high temperatures, high humidity, and high levels of rainfall. Learn about the vast array of plant and animal species that inhabit these regions.