Lesson 40 Terrestrial Ecosystem: Rain Forest

In our last lesson we learned about the terrestrial ecosystem called the deciduous forest.

We learned how the animals and plants adapted to the changes in the seasons.

We learned about the primary producers (plants), the consumers(insects, birds, rodents and animals) and the food chains which occur in the deciduous forest.

We learned that the sun is the most important ingredient in a food chain. It supplies the energy for the plants. The sun is needed for plants and animals to survive.

 We also learned that the leaves that fall in the autumn provide plenty of material for decomposers, such as soil bacteria, worms, grubs, and fungi.

Today we will learn about the terrestrial ecosystem called the tropical rainforest.

Tropical rainforests are located on or near the equator.

The average temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit The average temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It is constantly warm year round.

There is heavy rainfall year round There is heavy rainfall year round. An average of 50 to 260 inches of rain falls annually.

This warm, wet, humid and lush environment is ideal for a variety of plant and animal species.

Tropical forests nourish the greatest diversity of living organisms on Earth.

There are four layers of trees in the tropical rainforest.

Emergent trees are spaced wide apart and are 100 to 240 feet tall with umbrella shaped canopies that grow above the forest.

They tend to have small pointed leaves because they are exposed to drying winds.

The canopy has 60 to 130 foot trees which greatly reduces any light below them.

Since there is so much food available at this level, most of the tropical rainforest animals live in the canopy. Some never go down to the forest floor.

The leaves have “drip spouts” that allow rain to run off The leaves have “drip spouts” that allow rain to run off. This keeps them dry and prevents mold and mildew from forming in the humid environment.

It also helps rain to get to the lower levels of the rain forest.

The understory consists of 60 foot trees The understory consists of 60 foot trees. It is made up of the trunks of canopy trees and small trees. It is in constant shade. Very little air movement happens. It is constantly humid.

The forest floor is almost completely shaded The forest floor is almost completely shaded. Very few bushes and herbs can grow there.

The soil in the rainforest is very thin and a poor quality The soil in the rainforest is very thin and a poor quality. When litter falls it is quickly broken down by decomposers.

Let’s watch this video about the construction of the rainforest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv-yWsoPrSs

The sun is the most important ingredient in a food chain The sun is the most important ingredient in a food chain. It supplies the energy for the plants. The sun is needed for plants and animals to survive.

The producers (the plants) of the rain forest include: orchids, seeds, banana trees, coconut trees,bamboo trees.

Bamboo grows quickly. It can grow 80 feet in 2 to 3 months Bamboo grows quickly. It can grow 80 feet in 2 to 3 months. Bamboo can help reduce soil erosion and provides a place for animals to live.

Some orchids grow on trunks or branches of trees Some orchids grow on trunks or branches of trees. They obtain water from rain or fog. They live high up in the canopy so they can receive greater amounts of sunlight.

The primary consumers eat only producers (plants) The primary consumers eat only producers (plants). The primary consumers are macaws, monkeys, fruit bats and grasshoppers.

The secondary consumers eat (mostly insects) which are primary consumers (plant eaters).

The secondary consumers consist of vampire bats, iguanas and frogs.

The tertiary consumers consist of the python and the jaguar The tertiary consumers consist of the python and the jaguar. They do not eat plants but get their energy from eating animals who eat plants.

Most of these animals, insects and birds can be found in the canopy of the tropical jungle where food is abundant.

The decomposers consist of fungi and earthworms The decomposers consist of fungi and earthworms. The decomposers work to put nutrients back into the soil to help producers grow.

Today the tropical rainforest face many threats Today the tropical rainforest face many threats. They once covered 20% of the Earth’s surface and now they cover only about 7%.

Every minute of everyday, 100 acres of rainforest are cleared for logging, agriculture or oil exploration.

This causes habitats to be destroyed, which can disrupt an ecosystem.

There are many ways to help save the tropical rainforest There are many ways to help save the tropical rainforest. One is to use recycled paper, notebooks and bags.

Let’s watch this video about the rainforest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcoU4ataecc

Let’s watch this video about the rainforest food web. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICMV7A-8M90

Let’s review what we have learned about the tropical rainforest Let’s review what we have learned about the tropical rainforest. Answer the attached questions on the worksheet entitled L#40 Tropical Rainforest.

In our next lesson we will learn about the Grasslands.

Good Job Today! And remember to….

See you next time!