... top to bottom. The boundaries between layers are not clear, and no two sections of the rainforest will be the same. In order to divide a rainforest into layers, scientists start with a small patch. They clear the area of vines and shrubs. Next, they measure the position and height of each plant and ... very dim and still. Only five percent of the rainforests' sunlgiht reaches the understory. To survive in their shady environment, understory plants have adapted broad, thin, flat leaves that allow them to collect as much light as possible. Many of the creatures in the understory have becom...

• Word Count: 1946
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... poor. Forests are thought of as areas where nothing useful grows, the landowners think the land should be used to rear cattle or grow crops. Even though the soil is thin and is not good for growing crops the trees are cut down. Even if crops are planted the soil is so poor they do not grow well. The soil washed ... away from cleared rainforests can be seen miles out at sea. Rainforests affect the world's weather. Trees release moisture into the air. If the rainfall levels drop the world climate changes. In this essay I shall explain the protection of the forests, international interest ...

• Word Count: 515
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... At the time that dinosaurs were becoming extinct, these snakes began coming to the surface. They then developed a new legless mode of locomotion and diversified into many ecological niches. That was the beginning of snakes, as we know them today. Since lizards and snakes are closely related and share some characteristics, ... quickly wraps his body and tightly coils around the prey. Each time the victim exhales the snake tightens preventing the animal from inhaling more air. Without air the prey slowly becomes unconscious and dies. As we know not all snakes use these two methods. Many o...

• Word Count: 2917
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School

... the first written description of Hawaiian surfing by a European. It was the 1900's when the western world began modifying the traditional boards" turning them into much more convenient pieces of equipment to work with. The boards remained the awkward length of approximately 16 feet but were now considerably hollow. Surfboards of ... was substituted for lightweight balsa wood. During this time a rudder was added to help stabilise the board, as well as the introduction of a thin layer of resin and fibreglass coating the wood, this decreased friction between the water and board and also adde...

• Word Count: 2637
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School