Introduction

A forest is an extensive community of plants dominated by tall trees. These trees are of different species and height. The distribution of forest is mainly determined by climate especially rainfall and temperature. The rain forest is the dominant forest in Nigeria.

Characteristics of the Rain Forest

1. Presence of broad leaves: Most trees in rain forest usually possess broad leaves which enable the plants to receive abundant light and enhance transpiration
2. Presence of buttress roots: Most trees because of their large sizes often have buttress roots to support their heavy weight and height
3. Presence of tall trees: The bulk of the trees in rain forest are tall. Some are even 40 metres and above in height
4. Existence of canopies: The trees in the rain forest are shaped in such a way as to form canopies
5. Trees exists in layers or storeys: The trees in rain forest are zoned or stratified in such a way that they are arranged in layers or canopies, i.e., upper layers, middle layers and lower layers
6. Presence of fallen leaves on ground: The forest is characterised by the flooring of the ground with lots of leaves as litters
7. Trees have thin bark: Most of the trees have thin bark to enhance gaseous exchange and transpiration
8. Presence of epiphytes: The rain forest is also characterised by the presence of climbers and epiphytes on the trees which possess aerial roots for moisture absorption and respiration

Strata in the Forest

The main forest vegetation have plants which are naturally arranged in layers, strata or storeys. There are about five storeys in the forest. These are:

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SS2 Biology Third Term: Forest Habitats