2.2.2 Tropical Rainforest Adaptations

How Have Plants Adapted?

1. Leaves

• Thick, waxy surface of leaves protects against hot sun, heavy rain, and strong winds.

2. Epiphytes

• Plants which live above the ground growing on tree trunks and branches.
• Examples: orchids, ferns, mosses.

3. Buttress Roots

• Wide roots stop these enormously tall trees from falling over.
• Roots wind above the ground looking for food and nutrients rather than digging beneath the ground where nutrients are scarce.

4. Tree Trunks

• Trees don't waste time growing branches as they use this energy to grow faster and reach the sunlight first.

5. Lianas

• Climbing woody vines that drape rainforest trees.
• Adapted to life in the rainforest by having their roots in the ground and climbing high into the tree canopy to reach available sunlight.

6. Drip Tip Leaves

• These leaves allow rain drops to run off quickly.
• Plants need to shed water to avoid growth of fungus and bacteria in the warm, wet tropical rainforest.

How Have Animals Adapted?

Sloths

• Use camouflage and move very slowly to make it difficult for predators to spot.
• Feed at night when it's cooler, which helps save energy.

Sloths

Flying Frog

• Has fully webbed hands and feet, and a flap of loose skin that stretches between its limbs, allowing it to glide from plant to plant.

Flying Frog

Spider Monkey

• Has long, strong limbs to help it climb through the rainforest trees.

Spider Monkey

Toucan

• Has a long, large bill to allow it to reach and cut fruit from branches that are too weak to support its weight.

Toucan