Land Biomes
- Tropical Rain Forests
- Chaparrals
- Deserts
- Savannas
- Taigas
- Temperate Forests
- Temperate Grasslands
- Tundra
Biomes are the world's major habitats. These habitats are identified by the vegetation and animals that populate them. The location of each biome is determined by the regional climate.
Tropical Rain Forests
Tropical rain forests are characterized by dense vegetation, seasonally warm temperatures, and abundant rainfall. The animals that dwell here depend on trees for housing and food.Climate
Tropical rain forests are very hot and wet. They can average between 6 and 30 feet of precipitation per year.
The average temperature is fairly constant ranging from about 77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Location
Tropical rain forests are typically located in areas of the world that are near the equator.
Locations include:
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Africa - Zaire basin and Madagascar
Central America - Amazon River Basin
Hawaii
West India
Southeast Asia
Australia
Vegetation
A great variety of plants can be found in tropical rain forests. Enormous trees as tall as 150 feet tall form an umbrella canopy over the forest that blocks out the sunlight for plants in the lower canopy and forest floor. Some examples of rain forest plants include: kapok trees, palm trees, strangler fig trees, banana trees, orange trees, ferns, and orchids.
Wildlife
Tropical rain forests are home to the majority of plant and animal species in the world. Wildlife in the tropical rain forest is very diverse. Animals include a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Examples are: monkeys, gorillas, jaguars, anteaters, lemurs, bats, frogs, butterflies, and ants.
Rain forest creatures have characteristics such as bright colors, distinctive markings, and grasping appendages. These traits help the animals adapt to life in the rain forest.
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