tree growth (Fig. 8.8). Broadleaf trees rise
30–45 m, forming a dense leaf canopy through
which little sunlight can reach the ground
(Fig. 8.9). Giant lianas (woody vines) hang
from trees. The forest is mostly evergreen, but
individual species have various leaf-shedding
cycles.
Where the moisture supply is less abundant,
or where a dry season imposes a partial rhythm, a
semideciduous, lighter forest grows. The dry
Fig 8.7 Zebras and gnus
at waterhole in Africa.
Photograph by Martin
Johnson. Image #314034,
American Museum of
Natural History, Library
Fig 8.8 Characteristic buttressing at base of cedro
espinosa (Bombacopsis quinata) tree of the rainforest on
Barro Colorado Island, Canal Zone. Image #2A4242,
American Museum of Natural History, Library
Fig 8.9 Rainforest canopy in Papua New Guinea. Photograph by H. Gyde Lund, U.S. Forest Service
8.3 420 Rainforest Division
85
30–45 m, forming a dense leaf canopy through
which little sunlight can reach the ground
(Fig. 8.9). Giant lianas (woody vines) hang
from trees. The forest is mostly evergreen, but
individual species have various leaf-shedding
cycles.
Where the moisture supply is less abundant,
or where a dry season imposes a partial rhythm, a
semideciduous, lighter forest grows. The dry
Fig 8.7 Zebras and gnus
at waterhole in Africa.
Photograph by Martin
Johnson. Image #314034,
American Museum of
Natural History, Library
Fig 8.8 Characteristic buttressing at base of cedro
espinosa (Bombacopsis quinata) tree of the rainforest on
Barro Colorado Island, Canal Zone. Image #2A4242,
American Museum of Natural History, Library
Fig 8.9 Rainforest canopy in Papua New Guinea. Photograph by H. Gyde Lund, U.S. Forest Service
8.3 420 Rainforest Division
85