How Can Climate Data be Displayed?
Equatorial rainforests have a hot and wet climate all year round. Temperatures usually stay between 25 and 30°C, with very little seasonal change. Rainfall is high, often exceeding 2000 mm per year, and occurs regularly throughout the year. The air is very humid, often above 80 percent. These conditions are caused by strong sunlight at the Equator and rising air that creates frequent rainfall. This stable climate supports dense vegetation and high levels of biodiversity.
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Objective: To construct a climate graph from raw data and to recognise patterns and processes from the finished model. Starter: Watch the video to the right. Write a definition of both weather and climate. What is the main difference between the two? How is climate and weather measured and recorded? Task 1 - Plot the climate data for a location in the Tundra and tropical rainforest ecosystem. You will need the following: Climate Graph Data Climate Graph Outline Task 2 - What drives the climate and how is it linked to the sun? i. Watch the first 1:10 of the 'Why is Equator Hot...' video to the right. Then complete the first side of the worksheet below: g8_tropical_climate_and_convectional_rainfall.docx ** ** The information to do this can be found here on this help sheet ii. Watch the third YouTube video to the right (Convectional Rainfall) and then complete the second side of the same worksheet. The information to do this can be found here on the same help sheet. |
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What are the Values of Tropical Rainforests?
Tropical rainforests are valuable for both people and the planet. They are home to a huge variety of plants and animals, many of which are not found anywhere else. Rainforests help regulate the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also provide important resources such as food, medicine and timber. In addition, many indigenous communities depend on rainforests for their way of life. Protecting these ecosystems is essential for sustainability and future generations.
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Objective: To find out about the physical structure of the rainforest, its adaptations and why removal can be damaging to the environment.
Starter: Watch the first video to the right. Task 1 - Where are the rainforests located globally? i. Click here to find out. ii. On this worksheet, shade in the locations together and label clearly the names of the rainforests / realms. Task 2 - The Research Download this task sheet to complete the following: i. Click here to research rainforests and their values. Complete the first activity on the first side of the task sheet using this information. Aim for two to three bullet points in each box. ii. Use this worksheet (bottom diagram) to complete the second side of you task sheet. |
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Structure of the Rainforest & Animal Adaptations
Tropical rainforests have a layered structure, like a tall, green building. From top to bottom, these layers are the emergent, canopy, understory and forest floor. Each layer has different conditions, such as light, temperature and moisture. Plants and animals have special adaptations to survive in their layer. For example, tall trees reach sunlight in the canopy, while shade-tolerant plants grow below. These layers are closely connected and depend on each other to keep the ecosystem balanced and thriving.
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Task 1 - Watch the video to the right from 0.50 seconds onward. You are going to be introduced to the four vertical zones of the rainforest. As you watch and listen (don't forget the transcript) to the video, make three bullet points of key information. The first layer on the worksheet below has been completed for you. This is the layer that the ants live on that you saw in the rather spooky video above! Task 2 - Click on the image to the right. It will take you to a website where it tells you about some fascinating ways that raonforest animals have had to adapt to live in their environment. Choose one of the adaptations and on the task 1 worksheet, create a factsheet about that adaptation |
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