Rainforest Science Study Buddy
(for test beginning September 6)
I.What is the relationship of the sun to the tropical rainforest biome? The sun shines most directly around the equator, where tropical rainforests are found.
II.Why do many different biomes exist on earth?
Different biomes exist because the sun’s rays hit the Earth in different ways. The equator is warm year-round, the poles are cold year-round, and in between there are 4 distinct seasons.
III.What types of weather patterns make up the climate of the tropical rainforest biome? The weather pattern in the rainforest is that it rains daily.
IV.Why is the black variety of jaguar (top of the rainforest food chain) so rare? The black coat is a recessive trait that shows up in only 6% of all jaguar births.
V.What are the basic needs of living things in the rainforest ecosystem? The basic needs of living things in the rainforest are water, food and air.
VI.Why does change require energy and where does energy come from in an ecosystem? Energy in the rainforest ecosystem begins with the sun and animals get energy from the food they eat.
VII.What are some specialized structures and functions of living things in the rainforest ecosystem? black jaguar—dark coat helps it hide in shadows; a katydid’s wings look like leaves; moss growing in a sloth’s fur helps it hide in trees.
VIII.Describe a food chain in the rainforest ecosystem. sun-producers (plants), leaf-cutter ants, anteater, jaguar *There are many correct combinations.
IX.What is the relationship between matter and the water cycle? Water can be found in the water cycle in the liquid, gas and solid forms.
X.How can I classify matter according to properties? Matter that holds its own shape is a solid. Matter that takes the shape of the container it is in is a liquid. Matter that fills the entire container it is in, even if the container expands, is a gas.
XI.How can I use measuring tools to learn about the water cycle, plants and animals in the tropical rainforest? I can use a rain gauge to measure rainfall, a ruler to measure plant growth and a magnifying glass to observe changes in plants and animals.
XII.How can living things affect an ecosystem AND what are the effects of outside change forces on an ecosystem? Pollution has a negative effect on ecosystems. Natural disasters have negative effects on ecosystems. Man can have positive and negative effects on ecosystems. Plants and animals affect the ecosystems they live in.
XIII.What are some products that come from the rainforest? Chocolate, gum, nuts, medicines
XIV.What are the effects of man's behaviors on the tropical rainforest biome? Less oxygen is being produced. We may be losing cures for diseases. Animals are losing their homes.
XV.What creates sound? Animals create sound by making vibrations in order to communicate.
XVI.How do charts, graphs and diagrams communicate information? Charts, graphs and diagrams make information easier to understand.
XVII.How can I communicate my research findings to others? Podcasts, vodcasts (video podcasts), voicethreads, blogs and email are ways to communicate research findings to other.