Tropical Rainforest

Tropical Rainforests are found in the tropics of the region. Singapore lies in the tropical equatorial region. Here, behind Temasek Secondary School we can observe Secondary forest.

How is this rainforest different from the rainforest found in the Amazon Basin in South America? We will discover it in this blog...

 

Structure of the forests

Tropical Rainforest have 5 layers which are the emergent layer, canopy layer, understory layer, shrub layer and undergrowth layer. However in Temasek, we cannot see the 5 layers distinctively. The canopy layer have no interlocking branches. Hence, sunlight can reach the undergrowth layer resulting in the growth of tall grass. The undergrowth is hence quite dense.

Barks

The barks are not that smooth in Temasek Rainforests. In contrast, they are generallly rough and can be easily peeled off. This is due to the high temperature all year round and low humidity. The barks develop to protect the trees.

Fruits & Flowers

The flowers are colourful but not very sweet-smelling. This is due to the trees not growing closely to one another allowing pollination to be carried out by wind.

Leaves

The leaves have drip-tips with waxy and smooth surface. This is to drain off excess water on the leave effectively to prevent growth of bacteria and falling off leaves due to accumulation of water.

Roots

The roots are shallow and are widespread. They are widespread to obtain as much water and minerals from the soil.

Due to the high amount of rainfall annually, there is a high amount of surface run-off which allows rainwater to be absorbed by the trees.

They are also responsible for obtaining nutrients from the ground. Nutrients are present in the soil as the leaf litter from the trees decomposes.

In Temasek rainforests the buttress roots only grow to about 20 cm in height. Unlike in the rainforest in Amazon the buttress roots can reach a staggering of 5m. This is because the Temasek forests are not as tall, so there is need for a lot of supporting.