Why are rainforest tree trunks straight. Sounds like a silly question i know.
2007-02-16 09:30:10 · 8 answers · asked by -Tropical-babe- 1 in Environment
It's the quickest way for the plant to get up to the sunlight
2007-02-16 09:32:42 · answer #1 · answered by UFO^pilot 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in the temperate rain forest near Redwood National and State Parks, home of the world's tallest trees. Redwoods, like other rain forest trees, tend to go straight up. The forest floor is dark, even on sunny days, and it is very difficult for trees to get established. The only exception is when a tree falls, and a 300 foot tree tends to make a big hole in the canopy, even taking out other trees along the way. New trees sprout in the sunny spot, but they must quickly out-compete not only the other new trees, but also the canopy above which will tend to grow new branches into the opening. The only chance for success is to go up - fast - and that means straight. In the case of the Redwood, it has an adaptation to give it a head start - burls on the roots and trunk that sprout into new trees should the tree fall or get broken. In areas that have been logged, a ring of young trees will be found surrounding the ancient parent's stump.
2007-02-16 18:56:41 · answer #2 · answered by gordon B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Another reason is so that the water will run off as quickly as possible.
Wet bark in a dark rainforest equals rot.
2007-02-16 19:09:44 · answer #3 · answered by normanbormann 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you may know vegetation grows toward sunlight. Most of the world's rain forests are concentrated close to the equator, where the sun is directly over head. Thus they grow straight up.
2007-02-16 17:34:17 · answer #4 · answered by raider216 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the rain forests tree trunks are generally strait ,broad and long........and why might this be...because in the rain forests..the habitation is vast and it is survival of the fittest and so in order to get sufficient amount of sunlight for there survival..the trees generally grow tall...for which the trunk needs to be strait....n since suffient rainfall is olso available in a tropical area...the main reason is for receiving good amount of suns rays the grow strait....
2007-02-16 17:37:31 · answer #5 · answered by cena 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To Cena:
You've pretty much gotten it, but instead of "habitation is vast" change to "vegetation is very dense" and the concept I think you are trying to make may be easier to get.
I gave you the thumbs up for it though.
2007-02-16 17:48:27 · answer #6 · answered by quntmphys238 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that they grow this way so they can absord the rain and the sun to make them grow quick.
2007-02-16 17:38:37 · answer #7 · answered by karen v 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they have to grow quick to get out of the water
2007-02-16 17:32:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋