Difference between revisions of "Rainforest (range)"
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| − | '''Rainforest''' is a densely wooded land where broadleaf trees grow densely, their high-reaching branches forming an unbroken canopy that limits sunlight below. The air is humid and warm, with rainfall occurring frequently throughout the year, often in heavy downpours. The soil, though rich in decaying plant matter, is typically thin and nutrient-poor, as most of the | + | [[File:Rainforest (range).jpg|right|525px|thumb]] |
| + | '''Rainforest''' is a densely wooded land where broadleaf trees grow densely, their high-reaching branches forming an unbroken canopy that limits sunlight below. The air is humid and warm, with rainfall occurring frequently throughout the year, often in heavy downpours. The soil, though rich in decaying plant matter, is typically thin and nutrient-poor, as most of the forest's nutrients are held within the living vegetation itself. Water moves constantly through the landscape, dripping from leaves, collecting in pools and running in narrow, winding streams that swell with the rain. | ||
__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
| − | The trees vary in height, with the tallest rising above the canopy, their wide-spreading crowns emerging into the sunlight. Beneath them, layers of shorter trees, shrubs | + | The trees vary in height, with the tallest rising above the canopy, their wide-spreading crowns emerging into the sunlight. Beneath them, layers of shorter trees, shrubs and climbing plants form a dense understory, with broad leaves adapted to capture the little light that filters through. Some trees develop large buttress roots to support their towering trunks in the shallow soil. The forest is loud with the sounds of life, as birds, insects and unseen animals call through the trees. Some creatures move through the upper branches, never touching the ground, while others dwell in the damp shadows below. The thick vegetation muffles sound, making movement unpredictable — some places are eerily silent, while others hum with constant noise. |
| − | Rainfall varies from steady mist to violent downpours, with water collecting in depressions or rushing through narrow gullies. Some areas flood temporarily, with standing water covering the ground until it drains away. The combination of heat, moisture | + | Rainfall varies from steady mist to violent downpours, with water collecting in depressions or rushing through narrow gullies. Some areas flood temporarily, with standing water covering the ground until it drains away. The combination of heat, moisture and decaying plant matter fosters rapid growth and decomposition, with fallen trees and leaves quickly overtaken by moss and new plant life. The rainforest's climate remains warm year-round, with little seasonal variation. Many trees shed leaves gradually rather than seasonally, maintaining their dense foliage. The constant moisture supports diverse fungi, moulds and mosses that thrive in the damp air. Fallen trees decompose quickly, replaced by rapid new growth. Some areas develop seasonal flooding, while others have dry periods where the soil hardens before the rains return. Insect life is abundant, with swarming species shaping the ecosystem by pollinating plants and breaking down organic matter. Occasional clearings form where large trees fall, allowing bursts of sunlight to reach the forest floor before new growth closes the gap. |
| − | Travel is slow, as there are few open paths, and thick vegetation forces movement along winding routes. Rivers and streams often serve as the best passage through the forest, though their courses shift with the rain | + | Travel is slow, as there are few open paths, and thick vegetation forces movement along winding routes. Rivers and streams often serve as the best passage through the forest, though their courses shift with the rain and their waters hide unseen depths. The dense canopy shields much of the sky, making navigation difficult for those unfamiliar with the land. |
== Major Rainforests == | == Major Rainforests == | ||
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* [[Spotted Lion]] | * [[Spotted Lion]] | ||
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See [[List of Ranges]] | See [[List of Ranges]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:37, 28 February 2025
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Rainforest is a densely wooded land where broadleaf trees grow densely, their high-reaching branches forming an unbroken canopy that limits sunlight below. The air is humid and warm, with rainfall occurring frequently throughout the year, often in heavy downpours. The soil, though rich in decaying plant matter, is typically thin and nutrient-poor, as most of the forest's nutrients are held within the living vegetation itself. Water moves constantly through the landscape, dripping from leaves, collecting in pools and running in narrow, winding streams that swell with the rain.
The trees vary in height, with the tallest rising above the canopy, their wide-spreading crowns emerging into the sunlight. Beneath them, layers of shorter trees, shrubs and climbing plants form a dense understory, with broad leaves adapted to capture the little light that filters through. Some trees develop large buttress roots to support their towering trunks in the shallow soil. The forest is loud with the sounds of life, as birds, insects and unseen animals call through the trees. Some creatures move through the upper branches, never touching the ground, while others dwell in the damp shadows below. The thick vegetation muffles sound, making movement unpredictable — some places are eerily silent, while others hum with constant noise.
Rainfall varies from steady mist to violent downpours, with water collecting in depressions or rushing through narrow gullies. Some areas flood temporarily, with standing water covering the ground until it drains away. The combination of heat, moisture and decaying plant matter fosters rapid growth and decomposition, with fallen trees and leaves quickly overtaken by moss and new plant life. The rainforest's climate remains warm year-round, with little seasonal variation. Many trees shed leaves gradually rather than seasonally, maintaining their dense foliage. The constant moisture supports diverse fungi, moulds and mosses that thrive in the damp air. Fallen trees decompose quickly, replaced by rapid new growth. Some areas develop seasonal flooding, while others have dry periods where the soil hardens before the rains return. Insect life is abundant, with swarming species shaping the ecosystem by pollinating plants and breaking down organic matter. Occasional clearings form where large trees fall, allowing bursts of sunlight to reach the forest floor before new growth closes the gap.
Travel is slow, as there are few open paths, and thick vegetation forces movement along winding routes. Rivers and streams often serve as the best passage through the forest, though their courses shift with the rain and their waters hide unseen depths. The dense canopy shields much of the sky, making navigation difficult for those unfamiliar with the land.
Major Rainforests
Rainforests exist primarily in subtropical regions of heavy rain subsidence, on the northern edges of jungles or savannas. There are four distinct rainforests:
- Brahmaputra-Ganges Lowland - lowlands and islands formed by the two rivers
- Itaim - upper Parana Basin east of the Gran Chaco
- Western Ghats - the western mountains of the India Subcontinent
- Yulan - Chinese highlands south of the Yangtze above the Pearl River
Rainforest Features
Rainforests have a closed canopy with little undergrowth, unlike the thick, tangled ground vegetation of a jungle.
Rainforest Creatures
The following monsters are common to rainforest ranges:
See List of Ranges
