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 (a)   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 (a)   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