How does the rainforest ecosystem work?
1) The average daily temperature in the rainforest is between 25-30oC, whilst the average yearly rainfall is between 1500mm and 3000mm.
2) This means that the rainforest ecosystem has very high inputs of rain and sun. The atmosphere is very moist and humid.
3) These conditions are excellent for plant growth, which means that rainforests have a high diversity of plants, insects, birds, and animals.
4) Nutrient cycling in the rainforest is very rapid, because the humid conditions help dead matter to decompose quickly. There is also a vast network of bacteria and fungi, which helps break down dead material and return nutrients to the soil. These nutrients help to support the plant and animal species in the forest.
5) The structure of the rainforest is very important in helping the ecosystem to function. Rainforests have distinct layers of vegetation.
