In this article, you will learn more about the differences between the tropical and montane rainforests. The former grows on flat terrain and has a lower altitude. The latter, on the other hand, grows on mountain slopes at altitudes of 1,500 to 3,000 meters. Listed below are some of the key differences between the two types of rainforests. This knowledge will help you appreciate the unique qualities of each.
Tropical rainforest
There are many advantages of tropical rainforests, but what makes them unique from other types of ecosystems? Despite their small size, these forests contain high biodiversity, with up to 50% of all terrestrial species found in these areas. In addition, rainforests are home to over eight thousand species of trees and 1,500 species of higher plants. Let’s compare and contrast these two ecosystems to better understand their benefits and draw conclusions about what to expect from your next trip to the rainforest.
One of the most notable differences between tropical rainforests and temperate forests is their climate. The temperature in tropical rainforests is almost constant month-to-month, while temperatures in temperate rainforests fluctuate from seventy degrees to ninety degrees Fahrenheit. Another major difference is their seasonality. Unlike temperate forests, tropical rainforests do not have a “winter” season, as the sun is in its same position throughout the year. This difference makes the climate in the rainforests ideal for plant growth, and the trees and shrubs in these ecosystems grow all year round.
Temperate rainforest
The temperate rainforests are the counterparts to the tropical ones, and they differ significantly in terms of climate and plant life. These forests are found in mid-latitudes, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 21 degrees Celsius (50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) on average. Although they’re not as tropical as the tropics, they can still be found in the Pacific Northwest, Western Asia, and Scandinavia. In addition to these locations, temperate rainforests also grow in regions such as the southeastern coast of New Zealand and the Black Sea, and in the United Kingdom’s South Island.
Despite the similarities between the two types of rainforests, the two are very different in climate, vegetation, and animal life. While tropical rainforests receive a large amount of rainfall each year, temperate rainforests get far less. The climate of temperate rainforests is more constant, with rainfall reaching 80 inches per year in some areas. During the summer, heavy fog covers much of the forest, creating a moist environment for the epiphytes that live in the rainforest.
Monsoon rainforest
While monsoon rainforest differs from tropical rainforest in many ways, the two have some striking similarities as well. For example, both are rich in trees, though they grow in different regions. In addition, tropical rain forests differ in temperature, so some plants thrive in both types. A similarity between the two types of forests can be traced back to common evolutionary pressures. As a result, certain types of plants dominate particular regions.
The main difference between the two climates is the amount of annual precipitation. Tropical rainforests receive more rainfall than the equatorial climate does, but the monsoon has a dry season. Both climates are controlled by various factors, including the angle of the sun and changes in air circulation. Both climates require access to coastal regions and exposure to trade winds. The climates of tropical monsoon and tropical rainforest are similar, but the latter is slightly more moist.
Amazon rainforest
The drier portions of the Amazon are known as the “Arc of Deforestation” and feature a climate pattern similar to savannah. The vegetation responds by dropping its leaves and going dormant in these regions. Despite the fact that global warming has caused these events to become more frequent and intense, they still have important ecological and human implications. In some ways, this drought is a warning sign of the changing equilibrium state of the Amazon rainforest.
The current economic situation is working against the Amazon rainforest, as agricultural commodities command a higher premium than the standing forests. Therefore, anti-deforestation policies must be placed on firmer ground. Command and control measures will only get us so far in curbing illegal deforestation, but a new paradigm must be forged based on high-tech innovation ecosystem approaches. A new paradigm for sustainable Amazon development must be crafted.