1. Adaptation of plants
1.1. Barks and branches
1.1.1. many trees would have tall, straight trunks
1.1.1.1. Helps trees to obtain MAXIMUM amount of sunlight
1.1.2. Branches spread out near the top of the trees
1.1.3. Smooth bark
1.1.3.1. allows rainwater to flow easily from crown to tree roots
1.2. Leaves
1.2.1. Broad
1.2.1.1. more exposed surface area = more sunlight captured for photosynthesis
1.2.2. Waxy,leathery,hairy surfaces
1.2.2.1. Minimizes loss of moisture through transpiration due to high temperatures
1.2.3. Drip-tips
1.2.3.1. Allows water to run-off easily
1.2.3.1.1. Prevents fungi and bacteria from growing on leaves
1.3. Fruits and flowers
1.3.1. Colorful and strong-smelling
1.3.1.1. Air is usually still in TRF. Lack of wind = lower chance of seed and pollen dispersal by wind
1.3.1.1.1. Thus it is colorful and strong-smelling to attract insects/animals for dispersal/pollination
1.4. Buttress roots
1.4.1. WHAT?
1.4.1.1. large roots that grow from 1-5m above the ground
1.4.2. WHY?
1.4.2.1. Trees in TF are tall due to favourable climactic conditions for plant growth + competition of sunlight. These trees have buttress roots to support their heavy weight
1.4.3. SHALLOW ROOTS
1.4.3.1. WHY?
1.4.3.1.1. Nutrients mostly found from top layer of soil, rapid decomposition rates of fallen leaves and branches provide nutrients in the soil
1.4.4. water is available throughout the year, hence tress DO NOT NEED TO DEVELOP DEEP ROOTS to search for underground water
2. structure of the rainforest
2.1. divided into 3 layers
2.1.1. Emergent Layer
2.1.1.1. 50-80m
2.1.1.1.1. Examples of plants in this layer
2.1.1.1.2. Caracteristics of plants in this layer
2.1.2. Canopy layer
2.1.2.1. 20-30m
2.1.2.1.1. Examples of plants in this layer
2.1.2.1.2. Characteristics of plants in this layer
2.1.3. Undergrowth layer
2.1.3.1. ≤20m
2.1.3.1.1. Examples of plants in this layer
2.1.3.1.2. Caracteristics of plants in this layer
2.1.3.1.3. Hot and wet environment causes RAPID DECOMPOSITION, leaving a thin layer of leaf litter