Therefore, the extensive biomass present in the tropical wet forest leads to plant communities with very high species diversities (Figure 2). Tropical wet forests have high net primary productivity because the annual temperatures and precipitation values in these areas are ideal for plant growth. Tropical wet forests, such as these forests of Madre de Dios, Peru, near the Amazon River, have high species diversity. However, the driest month of a tropical wet forest still exceeds the annual rainfall of some other biomes, such as deserts.įigure 2. Tropical wet forests have wet months in which there can be more than 30 cm (11–12 in) of precipitation, as well as dry months in which there are fewer than 10 cm (3.5 in) of rainfall. While sunlight and temperature remain fairly consistent, annual rainfall is highly variable. The annual rainfall in tropical wet forests ranges from 125 to 660 cm (50–200 in) with some monthly variation. Instead, a constant daily amount of sunlight (11–12 hrs per day) provides more solar radiation, thereby, a longer period of time for plant growth. In contrast to other ecosystems, tropical ecosystems do not have long days and short days during the yearly cycle. This lack of seasonality leads to year-round plant growth, rather than the seasonal (spring, summer, and fall) growth seen in other biomes. When one compares the annual temperature variation of tropical wet forests with that of other forest biomes, the lack of seasonal temperature variation in the tropical wet forest becomes apparent. The temperature and sunlight profiles of tropical wet forests are very stable in comparison to that of other terrestrial biomes, with the temperatures ranging from 20 ☌ to 34 ☌ (68 ☏ to 93 ☏). Unlike the trees of deciduous forests, the trees in this biome do not have a seasonal loss of leaves associated with variations in temperature and sunlight these forests are “evergreen” year-round. The vegetation is characterized by plants with broad leaves that fall off throughout the year. This biome is found in equatorial regions. Tropical wet forests are also referred to as tropical rainforests. Lichens are common in the arctic tundra.Boreal forests are dominated by deciduous trees.Savannas and temperate grasslands are dominated by grasses.Which of the following statements about biomes is false? Each of the world’s major biomes is distinguished by characteristic temperatures and amounts of precipitation.