Available online
Description
This film is about the most complex terrestrial ecosystem, the tropical forest in south east Asia. The structure and diversity of the forest is examined with reference to the range of plant forms p...resent, the growth and regeneration of the forest. Some problems of study are seen, for example the difficulties of identification of many tree species. Lowland dipterocarp forest is focussed on but mangrove forest, heath forest and moss forest are also seen. Some effects of the complex structure on the animal life is investigated, as well as the water relations and finally some problems of exploitation of this rich ecosystem.
This film is about the most complex terrestrial ecosystem, the tropical forest in south east Asia. The structure and diversity of the forest is examined with reference to the range of plant forms p...resent, the growth and regeneration of the forest. Some problems of study are seen, for example the difficulties of identification of many tree species. Lowland dipterocarp forest is focussed on but mangrove forest, heath forest and moss forest are also seen. Some effects of the complex structure on the animal life is investigated, as well as the water relations and finally some problems of exploitation of this rich ecosystem.
| Module code and title: | S323, Ecology |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S323; 05 |
| First transmission date: | 09-04-1974 |
| Published: | 1974 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:22:25 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Edward Milner |
| Contributor: | Timothy Charles Whitmore |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Complex terrestrial ecosystem; Diversity; Forest; Heath forest; Identification; Lowland dipterocarp forest; Mangrove forest; Moss forest; Tree species |
| Footage description: | Film shots of a tropical rain forest in the Malay archipelago during a thunderstorm. Shots of the forest after the rain. Commentary by Tim Whitmore gives some of the characteristics of rain forests (rainfall, temperature variation, growth cycles etc.) He contrasts this with a temperate forest - such as Wytham Wood, Berks. Shots of Wytham Wood and then rainforest again. Shots of a profile diagram of 0.5 hectare of rainforest. Commentary points out the species there and their characteristics. Shots of trees in the rainforest. Shots of botanists hacking away the bark of trees and climbing them to identify tree species. Shots of several species of epiphytes (plants growing on, but receiving no nutrient from other species). Commentary discusses their characteristics. Several shots of strangling figs growing on trees and buildings. Shots of the Banyan fig. Commentary by Whitmore discusses the specialised fauna found in the rainforest. Short shots of several of these animals including flying squirrels, tree shrews, rats, lions, tiger, orang-utan. Commentary examines the different niches which each of these species has found. The interdependence of plants and animals in the rainforest is discussed using animal pollination and dispersion as examples. Shots of several species of plants which rely on the animal population. Regeneration and decay in the rainforest examined. Shots of seedlings (1 and 10 years old). Commentary explains that they persist in a suppressed state for years and then grow rapidly when a break in the forest canopy occurs. Shots of young trees, growing through an opening in the canopy. The three main phases of growth are mapped. Several diagrams show each phase. Shots of insects scavenging a dead animal on the forest floor. Commentary discusses the rapid decomposition of litter to release nutrients for the soil. The humus and litter layers are examined. Shots of a mangrove and an upper montane forest. These occur in places where the conditions vary from the standard rainforest habitat. The effect of man on the rain forest ecosystem is examined. Shots of tropical hardwood trees being felled. Shots of shifting cultivation being practised. Shots of fast growing pioneer species such as Macaranga rapidly colonising a recently abandoned agricultural clearing. Commentary discusses the devastating effects of clearing large areas of forest for timber and plantation crops. Shots show this. Shots of the dense web of roots on the rain forest floor. Commentary explains the effect that removal of this root web has on the drainage of the forest floor. Shots of flash flood in the rain forest. Commentary by Whitmore warns that technological exploitation can destroy the rain forest altogether. He states the advantages of preserving rain forest ecosystems. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71300 |
| Production number: | 6HT71300 |
| Videofinder number: | 1029 |
| Available to public: | no |
