Plant and animal adaptations in tropical rainforests

Geography

This unit teaches pupils about tropical rainforest and taiga biomes. Pupils learn about its biotic and abiotic characteristics, the adaptations of plants and animals and the threats facing its biodiversity. The unit considers opposing views on protecting and exploiting resources.

Tropical rainforest and taiga biomes

a measure of how many different species live in an ecosystem

chemical substances found in all biotic features which are important for survival

when two or more biotic features, like plants or animals, depend or rely on each other to survive

Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in tropical rainforests

large-scale removal or clearing of forests

farmers that grow only enough food for themselves

Deforestation in the tropical rainforest

Deforestation in Indonesia’s tropical rainforest

physical resources or products that can be directly harvested or used by people and animals

natural processes or benefits that rainforests provide to support life on Earth, often indirectly

long-term changes in temperature, weather patterns and atmospheric conditions resulting from human activities like burning fossil fuels

Value of tropical rainforests to people and the environment

using resources in a way that means future generations will still be able to use them in the same way

protection and management of natural resources to prevent damage and maintain biodiversity

Sustainable rainforest management

a long-term shift in temperature, rainfall and weather patterns which has had natural causes in the past but is now due to human activities

effects or consequences that are not immediately caused by an event or action but happen as a result of it

something that poses a danger or harm to an environment, species or ecosystem

Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest

a large-scale ecosystem with specific climate, plants and animals

the average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time

living components of the environment, such as plants, animals and microorganisms

non-living components, such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, soil quality and sunlight

Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome

Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome

when two or more biotic features like plants or animals depend or rely on each other to survive

Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in the taiga biome

a natural or human-made factor that poses a risk to the environment

Threats to the taiga from commercial development

Causes of biodiversity loss in the taiga biome

large, undisturbed natural areas protected to preserve biodiversity and natural processes

able to meet present needs without harming future generations' ability to meet theirs

Creating and protecting wilderness areas in the taiga biome

anyone who has an interest in or is affected by a decision or issue

meeting present needs without harming future generations' ability to meet theirs

Tropical rainforest and taiga biomes

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These lessons will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.