By: Jenn Jarosh

Most trees are dormant and 50% may be evergreen.

Insects, mammals, and birds make seasonal migrations to wetter habitats.

Trees, flowers and insects appear to pollinate.

This is when the pace of life quickens.

Trees are tallest in the wettest areas.

Tropical dry forests occupy a substantial portion of the earths surface.

Africa- North and South of Central African Rain Forest

Americas- North and South of Amazon Rain Forest. West Coast of Central America, and North America along the West Coast of Mexico.

Asia- Most of India and Indochina Peninsula.Australian Tropical Dry Forests form a

continuous band across the Northern and Northeastern portions of the continent.

Dry season lasts between 6-7 months.~About May to October.

Followed by abundant rainfall. That lasts about 5-6 months.

~About November to April. Soil- Less acidic and richer in nutrientsHowever torrential rain makes the soil highly

vulnerable to erosion

Many frogs and insects burrow deep into mudBirds and monkeys retreat to damp areas,

such as stream beds. These forests can support a surprising

diversity of amphibians, and of course, reptiles can be very abundant in dry forest, where tough skin and hard-shelled eggs give them an advantage.

Deciduousness is not the only option.Some have rich green chlorophyll filled

bark.

Deciduousness is not the only option.Some have rich green chlorophyll filled

bark.Some vegetation has water storage tissues.

~ swollen roots~ an extra waxy layer on leaves~ nyctinasty- closing of leaves at night

Heavy human settlement has devastated the tropical dry forest.

The relatively fertile soil attracts agricultural development:

~Cattle ranches ~grain farmers ~cotton fields

Dry season makes the land more accessible and easier to burn.

Ecology Concepts and Applications www.ceiba.org/loorecology.htm