Tossup

A research station studying one of these ecosystems operated by the Smithsonian has conducted a census every 5 years since 1980 on Barro Colorado Island. LAI decreases when adjacent organisms in these ecosystems maintain a gap in a phenomenon called “shyness.” (10[1])Specialist enemies of a type (10[1])of organism in these ecosystems are thought to facilitate their biodiversity according to the Janzen–Connell hypothesis. (10[1])Within these ecosystems, processes by saproxylic organisms are the main contributors to nutrient cycling. Bridge-forming lianas in these ecosystems can be infected by the holoparasitic genus Rafflesia. Mycorrhizae networks often form under (10[1])the “floors” of these ecosystems, where decomposers feed on detritus like leaves. (10[1])For 10 points, name these ecosystems whose canopy is formed (10[1])by trees. ■END■

ANSWER: forests [or rainforests; prompt on trees until read; prompt on forest canopies or forest floors until read by asking “what larger ecosystem is that a zone of?”]
<Claremont, Biology>
= Average correct buzz position

Back to tossups