Rainforests account for only 6% of the surface area ____,yet they are home to over half of the world’s plant and animal species. Being the richest ecosystem on the planet also means that the ____ is the most competitive place to live – and the biggest battle happens on the forest floor. The canopy layer of the rainforest is made up of the overlapping branches and leaves of the ____. Only 2% of light filters through the canopy to reach the forest floor. Seeds that fall here often lay dormant for years, waiting for the right opportunity to ____. When a large tree falls it leaves behind a gap, the forest floor is flooded with light and a race to the canopy ____. Monstera deliciosa This plant has very large ____ with gaps that reach from the edges of the leaf towards the centre. The gaps increase the surface area of the leaf without the weight putting too much strain on the stem. The plant initially grows towards the ____ so that it reaches tree trunks. It then climbs the tree to reach the canopy as quickly as possible. Vine with Tendrils The slender tendrils of vines are sensitive to touch. They grow towards objects that they come into contact with, spiralling around them. This allows them to grip onto other plants and climb upwards towards the ____. Some vines have ____ hooks on the ends of their tendrils to help them grip onto other plants. When the vine matures, its cells are strengthened by lignin, becoming woody and rigid to ____ the weight of the plant. Ochroma pyramidale (balsa) The balsa tree has giant leaves with ____ hairs on their surface to reduce the chance of being gripped by other plants. The trunk of the balsa tree is made of soft wood with a ____ that is full of air gaps. This means that the plant needs to make less wood to reach the same height as other trees and can therefore grow incredibly quickly.

Competition in the Rainforest

looja
Manusta

Edetabel

Visuaalne stiil

Valikud

Vaheta malli

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