TROPICAL RAINFORESTS
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The Canopy



Notable Canopy Tree Adaptations

  • Bark: Thin, often smooth bark, since trees do not have to deal with cold weather. The smooth bark reduces root holds for epiphytes and allows rapid water run off.
  • Root Systems: Shallow since rainforest nutrients exist in only the upper few inches of soil.
  • Leaves: Lower level leaves are equipped with drip tips to facilitate water run off and prevent epiphytes from gaining hold.
  • Cauliflourous fruits: production of fruits and flowers directly from tree trunks.

 

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Canopy Index
Overstory
Epiphytes
Leaf-Eating Mammals
Bats
Birds

Study
Structure
Vines & Lianas
Locomotion
Other Mammals
Amphibians, Reptiles, Invertebrates

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