These trees are essential to the rainforest because it allows for plants and trees that do not root deeply to be able to remain sheltered, stabilized, and secured. Due to the lack of nutrients deep in the ground, some trees like the mangrove will develop differently. The roots of the mangrove grow quickly, much faster than the rest of the tree.
Although instead of reaching deep into the soil, many of the roots will be above ground. These kinds of roots are called props or stilt roots. It must grow quickly since it does not receive stabilization from burrowing deep into the soil.
The mangrove root can grow as quickly as 28 inches in a month, that is more than two feet in one month and almost an inch a day! Lianas, although their color and texture are much like a tree, is a vine. They only survive because they wind themselves around neighboring trees in order to reach sunlight, which not only allows them to get the needed sunlight but gives these trees support due to their shallow roots.
Without the support of a more solid structure, strong wind or heavy rainfall could uproot it. These plants can grow as tall as 3, feet. That is more than a half-mile long! Guillaume Blanchard, via Wikimedia Commons. Because the rainforest has a unique atmosphere, the trees develop differently than those that live in more temperate climates.
Most places in the US and Europe have trees that have thick rough bark with several branches starting low on the trunk. They need the rough bark to retain moisture due to the dry air as well as to prevent freezing during cold winters. The branches allow the tree to soak up as much moisture and sunlight as they possibly can.
Where moisture is thick and temperatures are high; trees do not need this hard covering; therefore, tropical trees have much thinner smoother bark. Since these trees do not expend their energy developing branches to soak up sunlight and moisture, they grow very tall with little to no branches lower down on the trees. Their leaves are also shaped differently since fungi and bacteria grow very well in these warm, humid environments.
The leaves are very waxy growing in such a way that waterfalls off them much like a spout or drip tip, which prevents the growth of fungi or other bacteria on the tree to protect themselves. They also protect themselves very well from intrusive insects. Many tropical trees have beautiful flowers that produce a toxic chemical that kills invading insects.
Vaccines and medicines against rare diseases contain these chemicals. Ttschleuder, via Wikimedia Commons. Animals have also adapted to the rain forest. One very notable change was within the toucan. They have enormous beaks, which serves as a way for them to cool down.
Since their beak is full of blood vessels, as blood flows into the beak, it cools down then returns to the body, which prevents the toucan from overheating by reducing its temperature by 60 percent. You will notice most birds in tropical regions have larger beaks, while those in colder climates have cute small beaks that won't lose as much heat. To consume the assortment of food in the rain forest, many animals developed unique ways to eat.
For example, many birds in the rain forest, like parrots, have strong, large beaks that can crush the extra thick shells of nuts. While other animals who live on insects have developed other traits, the anteater has a proboscis-like tongue and can reach into every corner of an insect settlement. Even the insects they eat have developed specialized skills to improve their ability to consume food. Insects in the rain forest are typically stronger than other bugs across the world.
Many tropical ant species can carry objects over 50 times their weight, which allows them to carry leaves and small fruit. Poisonous animals like the poison arrow frog are brightly colored, which alerts other animals to stay away. Animal adaptation Because there are so many animals competing for food, many animals have adapted by learning to eat a particular food eaten by no other animal.
Toucans have adapted by developing long, large bill. This adaptation allows this bird to reach fruit on branches that are too small to support the bird's weight. The bill also is used to cut the fruit from the tree. The sloth uses a behavioral adaptation and camouflage to survive in the rainforest. It moves very, very slowly and spends most of its time hanging upside down from trees. Blue-green algae grows on its fur giving the sloth a greenish color and making it more difficult for predators to spot.
The geckos tail has evolved to become easily detached, allowing it to escape if caught by a predator. Jaguars have adapted to the wet environment of the tropical rainforest. They are excellent swimmers, and unlike other cats, they seek out water for bathing and swimming.
Jaguars are also powerful, giving it the strength to move slowly and silently through the forest when stalking prey. The jaguar can move extremely fast, which makes it an effective hunter. If you've found the resources on this page useful please consider making a secure donation via PayPal to support the development of the site.
The site is self-funded and your support is really appreciated. If you've found the resources on this site useful please consider making a secure donation via PayPal to support the development of the site. How have animals adapted to the rainforest environment?
Many animals have adapted to survive in the rainforest ecosystem. How has the poison dart frog adapted to the rainforest? Poison dart frog. A three-toed sloth. A spider monkey. A resting jaguar. Related Topics Use the images below to explore related GeoTopics. How has rainforest vegetation adapted to the climate?
Topic Home. Biodiversity and Tropical Rainforests. Please Support Internet Geography If you've found the resources on this site useful please consider making a secure donation via PayPal to support the development of the site.
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