Chapter 24: Problem 2
What are the major strata in the tropical rain forest?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The major strata in a tropical rainforest are:
1. Emergent Layer: The highest stratum, consisting of tall trees receiving direct sunlight, with long, thin trunks and umbrella-like crowns.
2. Canopy Layer: The primary layer forming a dense ceiling of foliage, home to a diverse range of organisms such as birds, insects, and small mammals.
3. Understory Layer: Located beneath the canopy, receiving minimal sunlight and characterized by small trees, shrubs, and plants with large, broad leaves, housing organisms like insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
4. Forest Floor Layer: The lowest layer, accumulating decaying plant and animal matter, with low sunlight and plant density, and hosting decomposers such as fungi, bacteria, and insects.