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