Q. Explain about Tropical Rain Forests?
As you approach the equator the climate becomes increasingly hot and seasonal variation in climate decreases resulting in practically the same climate throughout the year. This tropical region abounds with life and thousands of species of plants and animals can be seen, though no species predominates. Tropical rain forests cover about 7 percent of the earth's surface but house approximately 40 percent of the plant and animal species. Tropical rain forests are found on both sides of the equator in South East Asia, Africa, South and Central America, North East Australia.
Both temperature and humidity are very high and constant. Rainfall exceeds 200 cm a year and is distributed over the year. Soil is nutrient poor because in spite of the high rate of decomposition the nutrients do not remain in the soil. They are absorbed rapidly by plants or the rains wash them away thus making the soil virtually useless for agriculture. There is a distinct stratification of vegetation in rain forests. The dominant plants in these forests are tall, 25-30 meters high with slender trunks that branch only near the tops forming a dense canopy of leathery evergreen leaves. The canopy blocks out most of the light, therefore, the forest floor is fairly open. Whatever the time of the year, some trees are flowering and some bear fruit.