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What is a rainforest?
• Woodland characterized by lush vegetation,
comparatively high temperature, and rainfall
throughout the year.
• The world’s most biologically diverse ecosystem.
• Account for less than 7% of the land surface on
earth, but contain more than 50% of its plant and
animal species.
•
Emergent Tree – the tallest trees
which enjoy unfettered sunlight.
•
Canopy Layer – absorbs as much
as 90% of the sunlight, darkening
the lower regions.
•
Understory – receives little
sunlight, therefore boasts cooler
temperature and higher humidity.
•
Forest Floor – home to many of the
rainforest’s insects, reptiles, and
amphibians.
• Most plants found in the
rainforest are unique to
that biome.
• Many of these plants are
eaten by the indigenous
people and/or used for
medicine.
• Millions of plant species
exist in the rainforest.
• In 15 sq km (6 sp mi) of
rain forest, as many as 100
different mammal species
may be found.
• Most rainforest animals
are nocturnal, sleeping
during the heat of the day.
• Almost 90% of the
rainforest animal
species are insects,
and of these, most are
beetles.
• Some estimate that as
many as 30 million
insect species may live
in the rainforest.
• Indigenous, or native,
people have lived in the
rainforest for many
thousands of years.
• Much of their food,
medicines, and clothing
come from the rainforest.
• Besides hunting, gathering
wild fruits and nuts and
fishing, they also plant
small gardens.
The rainforest is in DANGER . . .
1.
2.
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4.
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6.
Use less paper.
Use less gasoline and plastic.
Eat less red meat.
Fundraise for the rainforest.
Write a letter.
Educate yourself and others!