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A tropical forest. Rainforest Animals Rainforest Animals

Jungle, or scientifically, rainforests, from the tops of the trees to the forest floor are filled with life. Are found here animals, about each of which you can write a separate report: this is a crocodile, anteater, hippopotamus, bat, sloth, koala, chimpanzee, porcupine, gorilla, armadillo. Insects: termites, tropical butterflies, mosquitoes. Bird spiders, hummingbirds and parrots. Hundreds of species of plants, birds, and animals feel comfortable in the rainforest.

Select a report about a rainforest dweller:

What does "tropics" mean?

The tropics are the forests that grow at the equator. These forests are the most important ecosystem on the Earth. The coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil, the South American coast, the West Indies, part of Africa, the island of Madagascar, and some Asian countries and the Pacific islands are occupied by tropical thickets. The tropics make up only 6 percent of the land area.

High humidity and hot climate are the main features of the fabulous variety of forms of life here. Constant warmth, frequent, abundant, short-lived tropical showers contribute to the rapid growth and development of flora. And the fauna, thanks to the abundance of water, also does not suffer from drought. Rainforests have red or patchy soils, and the forest itself is multi-tiered and each level is densely populated. Such a variety of flora and fauna is possible due to ideal living conditions.

Who lives in the rainforest and how?

The wilds of the forest are inhabited by a variety of animals. Giants-elephants and small insects, birds and animals of medium size, can live simultaneously in the same area of the forest, but at different levels, finding shelter and food in the forests. No other place on land possesses such a wealth of ancient life forms - endemics. Due to the dense foliage, the undergrowth in the rainforest is weak and the animals can move freely.

The variety of animals in the rainforest is striking: along with reptiles (turtles, crocodiles, lizards and snakes), there are many amphibians. The abundance of food attracts herbivorous animals. Predators (leopards, tigers, jaguars) come after them. The color of the inhabitants of the tropics is rich, since spots and stripes help to better camouflage in the forest. Many species of ants, tropical butterflies and spiders provide food for hundreds of bird species. The tropics are home to most of the monkeys on the planet, there are more than one and a half hundred parrots, 700 species of butterflies, including giant ones.

Unfortunately, many representatives of the jungle fauna (antelopes, rhinos, etc.) were exterminated by humans during colonialism. Now many animals that previously lived freely in tropical forests have remained only in reserves and zoos. The destruction of forests by humans leads to a reduction in fauna and flora, soil erosion, and a loss of the ecological balance of our planet. For decades, rainforests - the “green lungs of the planet” - have sent us a message signaling that people must be held accountable for their actions.

If this message is useful to you, it's good to see you.

Occupying only 6% of the land area, the jungle is home to 50% of the species of living things. Many of them are archaic, ancient. The constant warmth and humidity of the jungle allowed them to survive to this day.

The crowns of the tropics are so tightly closed that the hornbills, turaco and toucans living here have almost forgotten how to fly. But they are great at jumping and climbing the branches. It is easy to get lost in the intricacies of trunks and roots. The 2007 expedition to Borneo alone gave the world 123 previously unknown tropical animals.

Inhabitants of the forest floor

Litter is called the lower tier of the tropics. Fallen leaves and branches lie here. The upper thickets are blocking the light. Therefore, only 2% of the total amount of sunlight illuminates the litter. This limits vegetation. Only shade-tolerant representatives of the flora survive in the litter. Some plants are drawn towards the light, climbing tree trunks like vines.

There are some kind of Lianas among the litter animals. Many of them are large and with long necks. This allows, so to speak, to come out of the shadows. The rest of the inhabitants of the lower tier of the tropics do not need lighting, but depend only on heat. We are talking about snakes, frogs, insects and soil dwellers.

Tapir

Looks like a pig with a long trunk. In fact, tapir is a relative of rhinos and horses. Together with the trunk, the length of the animal's body is about 2 meters. Tapirs weigh about 3 centners, are found in Asia and.

Leading a nocturnal lifestyle, the pig-like creatures disguised themselves. The black and white color makes tapirs invisible in the dark litter of the jungle, illuminated by the moon.

Rainforest animals got a long nose in order to hide from the heat and predators under water. When diving, tapirs leave the tip of the "trunk" on the surface. It serves as a breathing tube.

Tapir is a primitive animal that looks like a thousand years ago, which is rare for animals.

Cuban cracker

Living in the mountainous tropics of Cuba, the cracker is the largest of the insectivores. The body length of the animal is 35 centimeters. The crack-tooth weighs about a kilogram.

Cassowary

These are flightless birds. Honored with the most dangerous on earth. In from the powerful paws and clawed wings of cassowaries, 1-2 people die annually. How can a bird's wings be clawed?

The fact is that the flying "machines" of the cassowaries have been transformed into such rudiments. There is a sharp claw on their central finger. Its size and strength are intimidating when you consider the bird's 500-kilogram weight and 2-meter height.

There is a dense leathery outgrowth on the head of the cassowary. Scientists do not understand its purpose. Outwardly, the outgrowth resembles a helmet. It is speculated that he breaks branches when the bird runs in the midst of the tropics.

The cassowary is an extremely irritable bird, gets into a rage for no apparent reason, attacking people

Okapi

Found in the tropics. In the appearance of the animal, the signs of a giraffe and a zebra are combined. The structure of the body and color are borrowed from the latter. Black and white stripes adorn the legs of the okapi. The rest of the body is brown. Head and neck like a giraffe. According to the genome, it is his relative that okapi is. Otherwise, representatives of the species are called forest giraffes.

The okapi's neck is shorter than that of the savannah giraffes. But the animal has a long tongue. It is 35 centimeters long and bluish in color. The organ allows the okapi to reach the foliage and clean the eyes and ears.

Western gorilla

Among the primates, it is the largest, lives in the jungle of the center of Africa. Animal DNA is almost 96% the same as human DNA. This applies to both lowland and mountain gorillas. The latter are inhabited in the tropics. They are few in number. There are less than 700 individuals left in nature.

There are about 100 thousand flat gorillas. Another 4 thousand are kept in zoos. There are no mountain gorillas in captivity.

Knowing how to walk on their hind legs, gorillas prefer to move at the same time on 4 ex. In this case, the animals put their hands sideways, leaning on the back of the fingers. Monkeys need to keep the skin of their palms thin and delicate. This is necessary for the proper sensitivity of the brushes, subtle manipulations with them.

Sumatran rhino

He is the smallest among. There are few large animals in the jungle. Firstly, it is easier for small creatures to make their way through the thickets. Secondly, the diversity of tropical species should be accommodated in fertile, but small areas.

Among rhinos, Sumatran is also the most ancient and rare. Animal life in the rainforest limited to the territories of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Here rhinos reach one and a half meters in height and 2.5 in length. One individual weighs about 1300 kilograms.

Rhino picks up berries and fruits fallen from sloppy birds

Underbrush animals

The undergrowth just above the litter receives 5% of the sun's rays. In order to capture them, plants grow wide leaf plates. Their area allows you to capture maximum light. In height, representatives of the flora of the undergrowth do not exceed 3 meters. Accordingly, the tier itself is the same minus half a meter from the ground.

They fall on the canopy. Rainforest animals in the undergrowth they are often medium-sized, sometimes of medium size. The tier is inhabited by mammals, reptiles, birds.

Jaguar

Jaguars are great swimmers. On the water, cats prefer to move, hooked on logs. On land, jaguars are also associated with trees. On them, cats drag their prey, hiding in the branches from other contenders for meat.

Jaguar is the third largest among large cats after lions and tigers

Binturong

Belongs to the viverrids family. Outwardly, binturong is something in between a cat and a raccoon. The relatives of the animal are geneta and lysangs. Like them, the binturong is a predator. However, the touching appearance casts off the fear of the animal, as it were.

Binturong lives in the tropics of Asia. Most of all the Indian population. Dividing territories, Binturongs mark their possessions with a liquid that smells like popcorn.

South American nose

Represents raccoons. The animal has a long and agile nose. He, like the head of the beast, is narrow. The name of the species is associated with the nose as a distinctive feature. You can meet its representatives in the tropics of South America.

There, noses, like jaguars, climb trees perfectly. Noses have short, but flexible and mobile legs with tenacious claws. The structure of the limbs allows the animals to descend from the trees both backward and forward.

The nosoha climbs the trees for fruit and hides from danger. In her absence, the animal is not averse to strolling through the jungle bedding. Swarming with its clawed paws, the nose finds reptiles and insects. Being omnivorous, the animal preys on them.

Tree frog

Among the existing reptiles, poison dart frogs are the brightest. On photos of rainforest animals are distinguished by coloring in indigo tones. There are also turquoise and blue-black colors. It is for a reason that they distinguish the frog against the background of the surrounding nature, like a tropical bud.

Dart frogs have no need to disguise themselves. Among reptiles, the animal produces the most powerful poison. They do not touch the frog, even when they see it in front of their nose. More often, predators and people bounce off the blue beauty, fearing the poison. One frog injection is enough to kill 10 people. There is no antidote.

The poison of the poison dart frog contains 100 substances of a non-protein nature. It is believed that the frog obtains them by processing the tropical ants that it feeds on. When dart frogs are kept in captivity on a different food, they become harmless, non-poisonous.

The singing of dart frogs does not at all resemble the usual croaking, but rather similar to the sounds made by a cricket.

Common boa constrictor

Similar to python, but slimmer. The boa constrictor also lacks the supraorbital bone. Finding out what animals live in the rainforest, it is important to "discard" the Argentine boa constrictor. He settles in arid and desert places. Other subspecies live in the tropics.

Some hunt in the water. In America, where rivers and lakes are occupied by anacondas, boas find food on the ground and trees.

The common boa constrictor in the tropics often replaces the cat. Inhabitants of settlements in the jungle lure snakes, allowing them to live in barns and warehouses. There boas catch mice. Therefore, the snake is considered partially domesticated.

Flying dragon

It is a lizard with skin outgrowths on the sides. They unfold when the animal jumps from a tree, like wings. They are not attached to the legs. Moving, rigid ribs open the folds.

A flying dragon descends into the jungle litter only to lay eggs. They are usually from 1 to 4 ex. Lizards burrow their eggs in fallen leaves or soil.

The dragon can dive over long distances, while landing silently

Inhabitants of the rainforest canopy

A tropical canopy is also called a canopy. It is composed of tall, broad-leaved trees. Their crowns form a kind of roof over the litter and underbrush. The height of the canopy is 35-40 meters. Many birds and arthropods hide in the crowns of trees. The last in the canopy of the tropics are 20 million species. There are fewer reptiles, invertebrates and mammals at the height.

Kinkajou

Represents the raccoon family. Lives kinkajou in America. In the tropics, the animal settles in the crowns of trees. The kinkajou moves along their branches, clinging to their long tail.

Despite the low similarity and lack of kinship with clubfoot, animals are called tree bears. It's about the diet. Kinkajou loves honey. The animal gets it with the help of the tongue. In length, it reaches 13 centimeters, allowing you to climb into the hive.

Kinkajou are easy to tame, very welcoming and are often turned on at home.

Malay bear

Among the bears, he is the only one that almost never descends to the ground, lives in the trees. The Malay Clubfoot is also the smallest in its squad. The bear's coat is shorter than that of other Potapychas. Otherwise, representatives of the Malay species would not be able to live in the tropics of Asia.

Among bears, the Malay Clubfoot has the longest tongue. It reaches 25 centimeters. The claws of the animal are also the longest. How else to climb trees?

Jaco

One of the smartest parrots. As a real intellectual, the Jaco is modestly "dressed". The plumage of the bird is gray. Only the tail has red feathers. Their shade is not flashy, but rather cherry. You can see the bird in the jungle Africa. Rainforest animals continent successfully kept in captivity and often become heroes of the news.

So, a Jaco named Baby from the United States remembered the names of the robbers who entered his owner's apartment. Birds gave out the details of the thieves to the police.

Jaco is listed in the Guinness Book of Records, who knew about 500 words in different languages. The bird spoke in coherent sentences.

Koata

It is also called a spider monkey. The animal has a tiny head, a massive body against its background, and long, thin limbs. When the koata stretches them between the branches, it appears to be a spider waiting for prey. The black, shiny fur of the animal is also confusing, like down on the bodies of arthropods.

The koata lives in South and Central America. With a 60-centimeter body length of a monkey, the length of its tail is 90 centimeters.

Koats very rarely go down to the ground, sometimes spider monkeys fall and get injured, which heal quickly

Rainbow toucan

The body is mostly black, but there is an extensive lemon-colored spot on the head with a red scarlet edging on the neck. Even the irises of the toucan's eyes are colored, turquoise. It becomes clear why the species is named rainbow.

The colorful appearance of the toucan is combined with the fruity variety of the tropics. However, the bird can also feast on protein food, catching insects, tree frogs. Sometimes toucans eat with chicks of other birds.

Goldhelmed kalao

The largest among the birds of the tropics. The bird weighs approximately 2 kilograms. The animal is named gold-helmeted due to the feathers sticking out on its head. They are, as it were, raised, form a semblance of armor from the times of the Roman Empire. The color of the feathers is golden.

There is a patch of bare skin on the kalao's neck. It is slightly saggy and wrinkled, like a vulture or turkey. The kalao is also distinguished by its massive beak. It is not for nothing that the feathered one belongs to the family of rhino birds.

Long beaks are convenient for birds to pick fruits from branched trees

Three-toed sloth

What are the animals in the rainforest the slowest? The answer is obvious. On land, sloths move at a maximum speed of 16 meters per hour. The animals spend most of their time on the branches of the African jungle trees. There sloths hang upside down. Most of the time the animals sleep, and the rest they slowly chew on the leaves.

Sloths not only feed on vegetation, but are also covered by it. The fur of animals is covered with microscopic algae. Therefore, the color of sloths is greenish. Algae are water plants. From there the sloths took the "lodgers".

Slow mammals swim well. During the rainy season, sloths have to melt from tree to tree.

Upper tier of the tropics

Rainforest animals the upper tier lives at a height of 45-55 meters. At this mark, there are single crowns of especially tall trees. Other trunks do not strive higher, since they are not adapted to stand alone in front of the winds and heat of the sun.

Some birds, mammals, bats also fight them. The choice is due either to the proximity of the food base, or to the presence of a view of the terrain, or to a safe distance from predators and dangers.

Crowned eagle

It is the largest among birds of prey. The body length of the animal exceeds a meter. The wingspan of the crowned eagle is more than 200 centimeters. A distinctive feature of the species is the crest on the head. In moments of danger or fighting spirit, the feathers rise, forming a semblance of a wreath, crown.

The crowned eagle lives in the jungles of Africa. You rarely see birds alone. Crowned birds live in pairs. Even animals fly around their possessions together. "Put on" eagles, by the way, is equal to about 16 square kilometers.

Giant flying fox

The muzzle of this bats looks like a fox. Hence the name of the animal. His fur, by the way, is reddish, which also reminds of foxes. Soaring in the sky, the flyer spreads its wings 170 centimeters. The giant fox weighs more than a kilogram.

Giant flying foxes are found in Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Bats live in flocks. Flying 50-100 individuals, foxes terrify tourists.

Royal colobus

Belongs to the monkey family. It differs from other colobuses in white markings on the chest, tail, cheeks. The monkey lives in the jungles of Africa, growing up to 60-70 centimeters in length, excluding the tail. It is 80 centimeters tall.

Colobus rarely descend to the ground. Monkeys spend most of their lives in the treetops, where they feed on fruits.

Fauna of the rainforest- this is fierce competition not only for space, light, but also food. Therefore, it is in the jungle that species are found that eat what the inhabitants of other places do not even consider for food.

How about eucalyptus leaves, for example? They contain a minimum of nutrients, and there are enough poisons, and only koalas have learned to neutralize them. So the animals of the species provided themselves with an abundance of food, for which they do not have to fight.

On Earth, which supports a huge amount of fauna. One of the reasons for this great variety is the constant warmth. Tropical rainforests also contain huge reserves of water (2,000 to 7,000 mm of rainfall annually) and a variety of food supplies for animals. Many small animals, including monkeys, birds, snakes, rodents, frogs, lizards, and insects, found in rainforests have never set foot. They use tall trees and undergrowth for cover from predators and search for food.

Because there is a huge species diversity of animals (40-75% of the world's animal species) competing for food, many species have adapted to eat certain foods that others do not. For example, toucans have a long, large beak. This adaptation allows the bird to reach fruit on branches that are too small to support the bird's weight. The beak is also used to extract fruit from the tree.

Sloths use behavioral adaptations and camouflage to survive in the rainforest. They move very, very slowly and spend most of their time hanging upside down. Blue-green algae grow on their fur and give sloths a greenish color and also protect them from predators.

This article examines the structure of the rainforest and some of the animals that live in its layers, from the litter to the upper tier.

Forest litter

The forest floor is the lowest layer of the rainforest and receives only about 2% of the sunlight. Thus, the plants growing here are adapted to low light conditions. Thus, relatively large animals such as okapis, tapirs, Sumatran rhinos, etc. live in the lower level of the rainforest. This layer also contains a large number of reptiles, insects, etc. Organically, substances (plant and animal origin) are collected in the forest floor, where they are decomposed, such as and.

Okapi

Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a unique species of mammals that is native to the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. Although the okapis have characteristic zebra-like stripes on their limbs, they are more closely related to giraffes. Okapi are diurnal and solitary in nature. These rainforest animals feed on tree leaves and buds, fruits, ferns, and mushrooms.

Tapir

Tapir ( Tapirus sp.) are porcine herbivorous mammals with a short, tenacious snout. These rainforest animals are found in the forests of South and Central America, as well as in Southeast Asia.

Sumatran rhino

One of the five extant species of rhinoceros, ( Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) lives in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. It is the smallest rhino species in the world and has two horns. The Sumatran rhino is on the verge of extinction as poachers actively hunt for its horns, which are used to make traditional medicines in China and Vietnam.

Western gorilla

Western gorilla ( Gorilla gorilla) is found in the forests of Central Africa. These animals are extremely intelligent and can use tools to get large amounts of food. The western gorilla is endangered today. Hunting for gorilla meat and reducing their natural habitat are the two main threats to these amazing primates.

Undergrowth

The rainforest undergrowth sits between the forest floor and the canopy and receives only about 5% of the sunlight. This level is home to a large number of small mammals, birds, reptiles and predators such as the jaguar. Small trees, shrubs and grasses grow in the undergrowth. Typically, plants at this level rarely reach 3 m in height and usually have wide leaves to provide a large surface area for.

Jaguar

(Panthera onca) is the largest species in the Americas, and the third largest in the world after and. The jaguar prefers to live in tropical forests and is distributed from Central America to Argentina and Paraguay. It is very similar to a leopard, but more muscular and larger. The jaguar is the solitary superpredator that it dwells in.

Pointing frogs

About three species of frogs from the dart frog family are deadly. The terrible leaf climber is considered the most dangerous of the three species and one of the most poisonous animals on Earth. These frogs are painted in vibrant colors including gold, red, green, blue and yellow to protect them from predators. This feature is known as aposematic coloration.

South American nose

Also known as coati ( Nasua nasua), this animal lives in the tropical forests of South America. Most of the range is in the lowlands east of the Andes. It is a diurnal animal that lives both on the ground and in trees. The diet includes fruits, other small animals, and bird eggs.

Common boa constrictor

Common boa constrictor ( Boa constrictor) is a massive snake that is found in forests throughout America, as well as in the Caribbean. Although boas live in a wide variety of places, they prefer rainforests due to the high humidity and suitable temperatures. In addition, rainforests provide ample shelter and many food sources for these snakes.

Forest canopy

A canopy (or canopy) is the most distinctive level of rainforest, forming a roof over the underbrush and forest floor. Most of the largest trees in the rainforest are located in the canopy, growing up to 30-45 m in height. Broadleaf evergreen trees dominate the canopy, making it the densest part of the rainforest. It is home to over 20 million species and a large number of birds, as well as mammals, invertebrates and reptiles.

Jaco

Jaco, or African gray parrots ( Psittacus erithacus) are medium-sized, gray-black birds common in equatorial Africa. The birds are currently classified as close to vulnerable and number between 120,100 and 259,000.

Rainbow toucan

Rainbow toucan ( Ramphastos sulfatus) distributed in the tropical forests of Latin America. In this environment, it settles in tree holes, often with other toucans. Crowded roosting places force toucans to tuck their beaks and tails under their bodies to save space.

Coats

Coates are a genus belonging to the family of arachnid monkeys. They inhabit the rainforests of Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil. All seven species of koat are endangered to some extent. These primates live in large groups of about 35 individuals and split into smaller groups to forage for food throughout the day.

Three-toed sloths

Three-toed sloths are a family of arboreal mammals found in South and Central America. These rainforest animals are so named because of their slow gait, which is an adaptation to conserve energy. Sloths are the size of a small dog or large cat, and have three clawed toes on each limb.

Goldhelmed kalao

Goldhelmed Kalao ( Ceratogymna elata) lives in the tropical forests of West Africa. It is one of the largest birds in this habitat, dwelling on forest canopy and rarely feeding on land. Birds of this species live in small family groups, consisting of an adult couple and several birds.

Kinkajou

Kinkajou is one of the rainforest animals that is mistaken for a monkey or ferret. The rainforests of Central and South America are considered the birthplace of kinkajou. These nocturnal animals are arboreal and have an omnivorous diet. Unfortunately, they are hunted for their valuable wool.

Upper tier

There are several giant trees at this level of the rainforest, reaching heights of about 45-55 m or even higher. Thus, these trees rise above the canopy. They are well adapted to withstand strong winds and high temperatures above the canopy. When such trees die, holes are formed in the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the lower layers of the rainforest.

Crowned eagle

Crowned eagle ( Stephanoaetus coronatus) is a massive and fierce predatory predator common in the upper tier of tropical forests. The eagle primarily feeds on mammals, including small ungulates, small primates, birds and lizards. It is one of the largest eagles in Africa, but is now classified as close to vulnerable by the IUCN due to large scale habitat destruction.

Royal colobus

Royal colobus ( Colobus polykomos) is one of the rainforest animals that is found in the tropical rainforests of Africa in countries such as Senegal, Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau and Cote d'Ivoire. The royal colobus lives in the upper tier of the forest, but feeds, usually on the ground, 3 to 4 females and 1 to 3 males together form one social group.

Giant flying fox

Giant flying fox ( Pteropus vampyrus) is one of the largest bat species in the world. It lives in tropical forests, where it feeds exclusively on nectar, fruits and flowers. Although these bats do not have the ability to echolocate, they use their keen eyesight to locate food sources.

Trainers get acquainted with brief encyclopedic information, answer questions, check their erudition. Lesson developed on the basis of the training manual for additional education by Paul Dowswell "The unknown about the known"... Recommended by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation in accordance with the Federal State Educational Standard.

Occupation type: combined

Target: development of erudition, cognitive and creative abilities of students; the formation of the ability to search for information to answer the questions posed.

Tasks:

Educational: the formation of a cognitive culture, mastered in the process of educational activity, and aesthetic culture as the ability to an emotional-value relation to objects of living nature.

Developing: development of cognitive motives aimed at obtaining new knowledge about living nature; cognitive qualities of a person associated with the assimilation of the foundations of scientific knowledge, mastering the methods of studying nature, the formation of intellectual skills;

Educational: orientation in the system of moral norms and values: recognition of the high value of life in all its manifestations, the health of one's own and other people; environmental awareness; education of love for nature;

Personal: understanding the responsibility for the quality of acquired knowledge; understanding the value of an adequate assessment of one's own achievements and capabilities;

Cognitive: the ability to analyze and assess the impact of environmental factors, risk factors on health, the consequences of human activities in ecosystems, the impact of one's own actions on living organisms and ecosystems; focus on continuous development and self-development; the ability to work with various sources of information, transform it from one form to another, compare and analyze information, draw conclusions, prepare messages and presentations.

Regulatory: the ability to organize independently the fulfillment of tasks, evaluate the correctness of the work, reflection on their activities.

Communicative: the formation of communicative competence in communication and cooperation with peers, understanding the features of gender socialization in adolescence, socially useful, educational and research, creative and other types of activity.

Technologies: Health preservation, problem-based, developmental learning, group activities

Course of the lesson

Learning new material (teacher's story with conversation elements)

Questions and tasks for discussion

What does a rainforest look like? (tiers of rainforest)

Who lives on the upper "floors"?

Are sloths really lazy?

Who lives on the ground floor?

How do animals adapt to life in trees?

How do animals manage to fly without wings?

Why is rainforest so noisy?

Did you know that?

Animalpeacetropicalforests

Presentation Animalpeacetropicalforests

What does a rainforest look like?

Rainforests located in the tropical, equatorial and subequatorial zones between 25 ° N. and 30 ° S, as if "surrounding" the Earth's surface along the equator. The rainforests are torn apart only by oceans and mountains.

The vegetation of tropical forests is very diverse, depending mainly on the amount of precipitation and its distribution over the seasons. With abundant (more than 2000 mm), and relatively uniform distribution, they develop humid tropical evergreen forests.

Rainforest classification

Tropical rainforest, tropical rain forest these are forests with specific biomes located in equatorial (humid equatorial forest), subequatorial and humid tropical areas with a very humid climate (2000-7000 mm of precipitation per year).

The rainforests are characterized by tremendous biodiversity. This is the most vibrant natural area. It is home to a large number of its own, including endemic species of animals and plants, as well as migratory animals. Two-thirds of all animal and plant species on the planet live in tropical rainforests. It is estimated that millions of animal and plant species have not yet been described.

These forests are sometimes called "jewels of the earth" and "the largest pharmacy in the world"Because a large number of natural remedies have been found here... They are also called "the lungs of the Earth", but this statement is controversial, because it has no scientific basis, since these forests either do not produce oxygen at all, or produce very little of it.

Undergrowth formation in tropical rainforests is severely limited in many places due to the lack of sunlight in the lower tier. This allows humans and animals to move through the forest. If, for any reason, deciduous canopy is missing or weakened, the lower tier is quickly covered with a dense thicket of vines, shrubs and small trees - this formation is called a jungle.

The largest areas of tropical rainforest are found in the Amazon Basin ("Amazon rainforests"), Nicaragua, southern Yucatan Peninsula (Guatemala, Belize), much of Central America (where they are called "selva"), equatorial Africa from Cameroon to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in many parts of Southeast Asia from Myanmar to Indonesia and New Guinea, in the Australian state of Queensland.

Fortropical rainforestare characteristic:

variety of flora,

the presence of 4-5 tree layers, the absence of shrubs, a large number of vines

prevalence of evergreen trees with large evergreen leaves, poorly developed bark, buds, not protected by kidney scales, in monsoon forests - deciduous trees;

the formation of flowers, and then fruits directly on the trunks and thick branches

Trees in tropical rainforests share several characteristics that plants in less humid climates do not.

The base of the trunk in many species has wide, woody ridges. Previously, it was assumed that these protrusions help the tree to maintain balance, but now it is believed that water with dissolved nutrients flows down these protrusions to the roots of the tree. Wide leaves of trees, shrubs and grasses of the lower layers of the forest are characteristic. Wide leaves help plants better absorb sunlight under the forest's tree edges, and they are protected from the wind from above.

Tall young trees, which have not yet reached the upper tier, also have wider foliage, which then decreases with height. The top-tier leaves that form the canopy are usually smaller and heavily indented to reduce wind pressure. On the lower floors, the leaves are often tapered at the ends so that this facilitates rapid drainage of water and prevents the growth of microbes and moss on them, which destroy the leaves.

The tops of the trees are often very well connected with each other by lianas or epiphytic plants fixing on them.

Trees of tropical rainforest are characterized by an unusually thin (1-2 mm) tree bark, sometimes covered with sharp thorns or thorns, the presence of flowers and fruits growing right on the tree trunks, a wide variety of juicy fruits that attract birds and mammals.

In humid tropical forests there are a lot of insects, especially butterflies (one of the richest fauna in the world) and beetles, and in rivers there are a lot of fish (about 2000 species, about one third of all freshwater fauna in the world).

Rainforest levels (tiers)

The rainforest is divided into four main levels, each of which has its own characteristics, has a different flora and fauna.

Topmost level

This layer consists of a small number of very tall trees, towering above the forest canopy, reaching a height of 45-55 meters (rare species reach 60-70 meters). Most often, the trees are evergreen, but some shed their foliage during the dry season. These trees have to withstand harsh temperatures and strong winds. This level is inhabited by eagles, bats, some types of monkeys and butterflies.

Crown level (forest canopy)

The crown level is formed by most of the tall trees, usually 30-45 meters high. It is the densest layer known in all terrestrial biodiversity, with adjacent trees forming a more or less continuous layer of foliage.

Real research into this longline did not begin until the 1980s, when scientists developed methods to reach the forest canopy, such as shooting ropes at the tops of trees with crossbows. The study of the forest canopy is still at an early stage. Other research methods include hot air balloon or aircraft travel. The science of treetop access is called dendronautics.

Competing level

There is another level between the forest canopy and the forest floor, called the undergrowth. It is home to a number of birds, snakes and lizards.... The life of insects at this level is also very extensive. The leaves in this layer are much wider than at the crown level.

Forest litter

Far from river banks, swamps and open spaces where dense, low-growing vegetation grows, the forest floor is relatively free of plants. At this level, rotting plants and animal remains can be seen, which quickly disappear thanks to the warm, humid climate that promotes rapid decay.

Selva is formed on vast low-lying areas of land under conditions of constant freshwater moisture, as a result of which the soil of the selva is extremely poor in minerals washed out by tropical rains. Selva is often boggy.

The flora and fauna of the selva is a riot of colors and a variety of species of plants, birds and mammals.

Mangrove plants They live in the sedimentary coastal environment, where finely dispersed sedimentary deposits, often with a high organic content, accumulate in places protected from wave energy.

Mangroves are a habitat for wildlife, including a number of commercially available fish and crustaceans, and, at least in some cases, the export of mangrove carbon stock is important in the coastal food web.

Foggy forest formed by trees with abundant lianas, with a dense cover of epiphytic mosses.

Treelike ferns, magnolia, camellia are characteristic, the forest can also include non-tropical vegetation.

Fauna of the rainforest

Because rainforests tend to be very hot and humid, they are home to some of the world's largest trees and plants. There is so much food and shelter from enemies that there are many more animals in these forests than in other parts of the Earth.

Most of the animals shown here are found in South America, home to the world's largest forested area. Rainforests are shown in white on the map.

The crowns of the tropics are so tightly closed that those who live here (1. hornbills, 2.turako, 3.tokans) almost forgot how to fly. But they are great at jumping and climbing the branches. It is easy to get lost in the intricacies of trunks and roots. The 2007 expedition to Borneo alone gave the world 123 previously unknown tropical animals.

Inhabitants of the forest floor

Tapir

Leading a nocturnal lifestyle, the pig-like creatures disguised themselves. The black and white color makes tapirs invisible in the dark litter of the jungle, illuminated by the moon.

Rainforest animals got a long nose in order to hide from the heat and predators under water. When diving, tapirs leave the tip of the "trunk" on the surface. It serves as a breathing tube.

Cuban cracker

It was declared extinct at the beginning of the 20th century. At the beginning of the 21st century, the animal was found again. The insectivore is a relict species. Outwardly, its representatives are something in between a hedgehog, a rat and a shrew. Living in the mountainous tropics of Cuba, the cracker is the largest of the insectivores. The body length of the animal is 35 centimeters. The crack-tooth weighs about a kilogram.

These are flightless birds. Honored with the most dangerous on earth. In Australia, from the powerful paws and clawed wings of cassowaries, 1-2 people die annually. How can a bird's wings be clawed?

Okapi

Found in the tropics of Africa. In the appearance of the animal, the signs of a giraffe and a zebra are combined. The structure of the body and color are borrowed from the latter. Black and white stripes adorn the legs of the okapi. The rest of the body is brown. Head and neck like a giraffe. According to the genome, it is his relative that okapi is. Otherwise, representatives of the species are called forest giraffes.

Western gorilla

There are about 100 thousand flat gorillas. Another 4 thousand are kept in zoos. There are no mountain gorillas in captivity.

Sumatran rhino

Among the rhinos, he is the smallest. There are few large animals in the jungle. Firstly, it is easier for small creatures to make their way through the thickets. Secondly, the diversity of tropical species should be accommodated in fertile, but small areas.

Underbrush animals

They fall on the canopy. Rainforest animals in the undergrowth they are often medium-sized, sometimes of medium size. The tier is inhabited by mammals, reptiles, birds.

Jaguar

Lives in the tropics of America. The weight of the animal is 80-130 kilograms. In America, this is the largest cat. The color of each individual is unique, like human fingerprints. The spots on the skins of predators are compared with them. Jaguars Are excellent swimmers. On the water, cats prefer to move, hooked on logs. On land, jaguars are also associated with trees. Cats drag their prey on them, hiding other contenders for meat in the branches.

Binturong

Binturong lives in the tropics of Asia. Most of all the Indian population. Dividing territories, Binturongs mark their possessions with a liquid that smells like popcorn.

South American nose

Tree frog

Common boa constrictor

Some snakes hunt in the water. In America, where rivers and lakes are occupied by anacondas, boas find food on the ground and trees.

Flying dragon

It is a lizard with skin outgrowths on the sides. They unfold when the animal jumps from a tree, like wings. They are not attached to the legs. Moving, rigid ribs open the folds.

A flying dragon descends into the jungle litter only to lay eggs. They are usually from 1 to 4 ex. Lizards burrow their eggs in fallen leaves or soil.

Inhabitants of the rainforest canopy

Kinkajou

Represents the raccoon family. Lives kinkajou in America. In the tropics, the animal settles in the crowns of trees. The kinkajou moves along their branches, clinging to their long tail.

Malay bear

Among bears, the Malay Clubfoot has the longest tongue. It reaches 25 centimeters. The claws of the animal are also the longest. How else to climb trees?

Jaco

So, a Jaco named Baby from the United States remembered the names of the robbers who entered his owner's apartment. Birds gave out the details of the thieves to the police. Jaco is listed in the Guinness Book of Records, who knew about 500 words in different languages. The bird spoke in coherent sentences.

Koata

the tail is 90 centimeters long.

Rainbow toucan

Large bird up to 53 centimeters long. With its massive and long beak, the toucan reaches the fruit on thin branches. Sit on them a bird, the shoots will not stand. The toucan weighs about 400 grams. The animal's beak is colored green, blue, orange, yellow, red. The body is mostly black, but there is an extensive lemon-colored spot on the head with a red scarlet edging on the neck. Even the irises of the toucan's eyes are colored, turquoise. It becomes clear why the species is named rainbow. The colorful appearance of the toucan is combined with the fruity variety of the tropics. However, the bird can also feast on protein food, catching insects, tree frogs. Sometimes toucans eat with chicks of other birds.

Goldhelmed kalao

The largest bird in the tropics of Africa. The bird weighs approximately 2 kilograms. The animal is named gold-helmeted due to the feathers sticking out on its head. They are, as it were, raised, form a semblance of armor from the times of the Roman Empire. The color of the feathers is golden.

Three-toed sloth

Slow mammals swim well. In the rainy season, sloths have to

melt from wood to wood

Upper tier of the tropics

Rainforest animals the upper tier live at a height of 45-55 meters. At this mark, there are single crowns of especially tall trees. Other trunks do not strive higher, since they are not adapted to stand alone in front of the winds and heat of the sun.

Some birds, mammals, bats also fight them. The choice is due either to the proximity of the food base, or to the presence of a view of the terrain, or to a safe distance from predators and dangers.

Crowned eagle

Giant flying fox

Giant flying foxes are found in Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Bats live in flocks. Flying 50-100 individuals, foxes terrify tourists.

Royal colobus

Colobus rarely descend to the ground. Monkeys spend most of their life on

the treetops where they eat fruit.

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The species of narrow-nosed monkeys live in India and Africa, and the broad-nosed ones in America. Their tail and limbs allow them to skillfully climb trees, where they get their food.

Mammals

It is home to predators such as leopards and cougars.

An interesting species is the American tapir, somewhat reminiscent of a rhinoceros.

Nutria can be found in water bodies. People hunt for this species of large rodents, since they have valuable fur.

Nutria

In South American you can find sloths that resemble in appearance. They have rather long and flexible limbs with which they cling to trees. These are slow animals, they move slowly along the branches.

The forests are inhabited by armadillos with a powerful shell. During the day they sleep in their burrows, and with the onset of darkness they crawl to the surface and lead a nocturnal lifestyle.

The inhabitant is. He moves without problems on the ground, and climbs trees, eats ants and various insects.

Among the marsupial species one can find opossums here.

Opossums

Elephants and elephants live in African, which are relatives of giraffes.

Elephant

Lemurs live in Madagascar, which are considered semi-monkeys.

Lemurs

In some bodies of water crocodiles are found, among which the Nile crocodile is the most famous. In Asia, long-snouted crocodiles are known, which mainly swim in the Ganges. Its body length reaches 7 meters.

Rhinos are found in tropical forests, and hippos are found in water bodies.

Rhinoceros

hippo

In Asia, you can find a tiger, sloth bear, etc.

Birds of the rainforest

Many birds fly in the forests. South America is home to hoatsins, hummingbirds, and more than 160 species of parrots.

There are large populations of flamingos in Africa and America. They live near salt lakes and on sea coasts, feed on algae, worms and molluscs, and some insects.