Vertical stratification - tropical rain forest, Biology

Assignment Help:

Vertical Stratification - Tropical Rain Forest

In a tropical rain forest, vertical stratification is very clearly seen. In addition to the different layers described above, there are lianas and climbers that twine around the .trees. A forest with four or five strata can support a greater diversity of life forms as compared to grassland with only two strata. Stratification is also seen in the underground plant parts, that is, the root and the rhizome systems. Root systems of different plant species tap moisture and nutrients from different soil depths. This enables them to avoid competition and too much exploitation of a particular soil layer.

Coming back to the above-ground parts of vegetation, the canopy which is the primary site of energy fixation, it has a major influence on the rest of the forest community.

A canopy is said to be open when considerable sunlight reaches the lower layers. In such cases the shrubs and understory tree strata are well developed. In a closed forest most of the sunlight is intercepted by tree canopies. The understory plants remain deprived of direct sunlight consequently the lower strata is comprised of shade tolerant species with poor growth of herbaceous layer. In such situations species requiring intense sunlight are absent or flourish only in the gaps created by the death of top canopy trees.


Related Discussions:- Vertical stratification - tropical rain forest

Define keratomalacia - micronutrient deficiencies, Define Keratomalacia - M...

Define Keratomalacia - Micronutrient Deficiencies? This is a condition of rapid destruction and liquefaction of full thickness of cornea, leading lo prolapse of iris, resulting

Factors that affects oxygen dissociation curves, Factors that affects Oxyge...

Factors that affects Oxygen Dissociation Curves Oxygen dissociation curve for a sample of blood is affected by several factors. The most important of them are: Te

Explain the character of pulse, Explain the Character of Pulse ? A norm...

Explain the Character of Pulse ? A normal pulse wave has an upstroke and down stroke. Dicrotic notch present on direct arterial traces is impalpable. Figure: Arterial

Protozoa, general charactres and classfication

general charactres and classfication

Ribosomes, Ribosomes - It is also known as Protein factory, Engine ...

Ribosomes - It is also known as Protein factory, Engine of the cell. Ribosomes are smallest cell organelles (150 x 250 Å). Unit membrane less cell organelle. Ribo

What is the meaning of oedema, What is the meaning of Oedema? In some p...

What is the meaning of Oedema? In some pathological conditions the body is in a positive water balance; that is the intake of fluids is greater than the excretion, and the pati

Can you describe about folic acid, Q. What is folic acid? Why is the anemia...

Q. What is folic acid? Why is the anemia caused by deficiency of folic acid known as megaloblastic anemia? The folic acid when ionized it is called folate is a coenzyme that pa

Phylum platyhelminthes, distinguishing characteristics of phylum platyhelmi...

distinguishing characteristics of phylum platyhelminthes?

Fructose-1, Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate  and Fructose-6-phosphate : The  conv...

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate  and Fructose-6-phosphate : The  conversion of  fructose-1,6- bisphosphate  to fructose-6-phosphate is  catalysed by fluctose-1,6-bisphosphatase  which  i

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd