Biomes

Tropical rain forest
Characteristics
* Get a lot of rain- at least 2 meters of it all year
* Tall trees form a dense, leafy covering called a canopy from 50 to 80 meters above the forestfloor.
* In the shade below the canopy, shorter trees and vines form a layer called understory.
* Organic matter on the forest floor is recycled and reused so quickly that the soil in mosttropical rain forests is not very rich in nutrients
Abiotic factors: Hot and wet year-round; thin, nutrient-poor soils subject for erosion.
Biotic factors
* Plant life: Understory plants competefor sunlight, so most have large leaves to capture the light. Tall trees growing in poor shallow soil often have buttress roots for support.
* Animal life: Many animals use camouflage to hide frompredators; some can change the color to match their surroundings. Animals that live in the canopy have adaptations for climbing, jumping, and/or flight.
Tropical dry forest
Characteristics
Grow inareas where rainy seasons alternative with dry seasons. In most places, a period of rains is followed by a prolonged period of drought.
Abiotic factors: warm year-round; alternating wet and dryseasons; rich soils subject to erosion.
Biotic factors
* Plant life: Adaptations to survive the dry season include seasonal loss of leaves. A plant that sheds its leaves during a particular season iscalled deciduous. Some plants also have an extra thick waxy layer on their leaves to reduce water loss or store water in their tissues.
* Animal life: Many animals reduce their need for water byentering on periods of inactivity called estivation. Other animals, including many birds and primates move to other areas where water is available.
Tropical grassland/savanna/shrub landCharacteristics
The biome receives more seasonal rainfall than deserts but less than tropical dry forest. Grassy areas are spotted with isolated trees and small groves o trees and shrubs. Compacted soils,...