Plant and animal adaptations in the rainforest.

What is an 'adaptation'?

• The route you normally take to school.

• The characteristics of a plant or animal that make it suited to living in its environment.

• The process in plants they uses sunlight to make food.

• An animal that eats only plants.

What challenges have plants adapted to in the rainforest?

• Poor soils with low levels of nutrients.

• Very strong winds.

• High rainfall falling in heavy bursts.

• Lack of sunlight on the forest floor.

An ________ is a type of plant that grows on the branches of trees.

Why have some plants developed a carnivorous adaptation? (they "eat" animals)

• They do this because there are very few animals.

• They do this because it gives year 7 something to think about.

• The do this because the soil has too many nutrients.

• The do this because there are not enough nutrients in the soil.

Which of these plant adaptations help them cope with high rainfall?

• Climbing

• Waxy leaves

• Drip tips on leaves

• Growing as epiphytes

Which of these plant adaptations help them cope with low levels of light on the forest floor?

• Climbing

• Waxy leaves

• Drip tips on leaves

• Growing as epiphytes

Some trees in the rainforest have _______ roots to help support them.

Why do most trees have tall straight trunks with few branches until you reach the top.

• Poor soil

• High rainfall

• Lack of light on the forest floor.

Select three adaptations of the spider monkey.

• Prehensile tail that it can use to hold on to branches

• Very short arms

• 5 toes and fingers it can use to grip branches.

• A load voice that is can use communicate with other spider monkeys if there is danger.

• Tiny hands.

The sword-billed hummingbird's beak is longer than its body.

• True

• False