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.” Specialist enemies of a type of organism in these ecosystems are thought to facilitate their biodiversity according to the Janzen–Connell hypothesis. 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 the “floors” of these ecosystems, where decomposers feed on detritus like leaves. For 10 points, name these ecosystems whose canopy is formed 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