Amazing Adaptations

What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and

animals adapted to live there?

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

How are the plants in the rainforest structured?

• Can we as a class model the rainforest?

A

B

C

D

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

10m

20m

40m

30m

Shrub Layer

Under Canop

y

CanopyEmergen

ts

Lianas: Vine-like plants which use large trees as a

support to climb up to the canopyThin soils

because nutrients are quickly used

up

Buttress roots: Stand above the

ground to support tall

trunks

Little undergrowth because the

sunlight can’t reach ground

layer

In the morning the sun shines, this

makes the water in the system

evaporate, rise and then condensate to

form clouds…

By the afternoon it is raining!Whatever the

weather, lots of animals live in the

rainforest!

Plants, like lianas, have also adapted to life in

the rainforest. For example, some have ‘drip-tips’ so that the water runs off them

The whole rainforest

works together as a

‘system’

Your turn

1. Complete the Tropical Rainforest Structure and Adaption handout.

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

Nutrient cycle

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

Nutrient Cycle

• Complete the following diagram on the nutrient cycle:

- The roots quickly take up the nutrients again- The nutrients help the vegetation to grow.- Decomposers release the nutrients from them.- Dead leaves and animal waste fall all year round.- The soil down here is poor because the nutrients don’t get a chance to sink in.

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

How have the trees in the rainforest adapted to suit the environment?

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

How have the trees in the rainforest adapted to suit the environment?

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

How have the trees in the rainforest adapted to suit the environment?

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

How have the trees in the rainforest adapted to suit the environment?

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

How has the TRF adapted to the environment?

• Label the following statements on your sketch of the rainforest …

1. Leaves have drip tips so that they are not damaged with the daily heavy rainfall in the forest.

2. Buttress roots are used to anchor trees into the thin soil which can not support a deep root system.

3. On the ground level plants have large frond like leaves to capture as much sunlight as possible.

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

How have these animals adapted to life in the rainforest?

Toucans have very strong legs to grip onto the branches in the canopy, with two toes pointing forward and two pointing backwards! Their big beak help communication and collecting fruits and insects!

Pygmy marmosets are well camouflaged against trees and have very sharp claws and teeth. Their teeth have adapted to eat tree sap and gum.

Crocodiles have very strong tails and jaws making it a very effective predator

The hard shell of a tortoise and the fact that it can hide inside its shell means that it can protect itself from most predators.

Write down two of these neatly into your exercise book

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

Your turn!

• Now you have the chance to design either your own new plant or animal!

• Make sure that it is clearly labelled as to how it has adapted to live in the rainforest.

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

Animal Adaptations Plant AdaptationsSome ideas here from the Bird of Paradise

What is this missing?

Homework

• Complete the design of your new plant or animal.

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?

Gimme’ 5

• Think of one new thing that you have learnt today!

What did you see at the rainforest?

LO: What is the structure like in the rainforest and how have plants and animals adapted to live there?