Theory question 205
VegetationChoose any two of the following vegetation types (a) Equatorial (b) Tropical continental (c) Tropical desert and for each (i) describe the vegetation characteristics (ii) Explain how the vegetation has been influenced by climate
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Any two:
Equatorial: (i) tall evergreen trees in three layers, dense canopy, many species, hardwoods, buttresses, drip tips, lianas and epiphytes (ii) heavy rain all year and constant high temperatures allow continuous growth, evergreen leaves and great height; competition for light gives layers
Tropical continental (savanna): (i) tall grasses with scattered, short, deciduous, fire-resistant trees (baobab, acacia), thick bark, long roots (ii) a long dry season makes grasses dry up and trees shed leaves; lower rainfall gives fewer trees northwards; fires in the dry season
Tropical desert: (i) sparse xerophytes – cacti, thorny shrubs, short grasses; long roots, thick waxy or no leaves, succulent stems; ephemerals after rain (ii) very low, unreliable rainfall and high temperatures/evaporation force plants to store and conserve water
Link each plant feature to a climate condition.