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Mr. Valle’s Guide to the Rainforest With special guest: Max the Monkey CLICK TO ENTER Meet Max the Monkey Greetings! My name is Max. It is a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Valle has told me that you are a wonderful and very bright group of students. Meet Max the Monkey I look forward to getting to know you throughout this presentation and helping you to learn more about the rainforest. Meet Max the Monkey The rainforest is my home sweet home. I love sharing information about it! This is why I am so glad Mr. Valle invited me to be here today. Meet Max the Monkey There is so much to tell you that I don’t quite know where to begin. Why don’t you help me out by clicking the links and buttons that start on the next page… Main Menu (Click a picture to explore.) Rainforest Overview Rainforest Animals Rainforest Plants At any point in the presentation, click on the bananas to return to this menu screen. Save the Rainforest Vocabulary Review Rainforest Overview Let’s get an overview of the rainforest. Click through these slides to learn about where rainforests are found, the layers they are made of, and why they are so unique. What are Rainforests? Rainforests are areas known for having Warm climates Many tall trees A lot of rainfall An incredible number of animal, plant, and insect species Layers of the Rainforest Rainforests have four separate layers. Each has its own characteristics. They are as follows: Emergent Canopy Understory Undergrowth (ground layer) The Emergent Layer Highest rainforest layer (can reach up to 200 ft.) The tallest trees stick out above the rest Home to bats, predatory birds, butterflies, and a unique monkey (the proboscis) The Canopy Dense area of trees located below the emergent area Between 100-150 ft. high Has the greatest variety of animal life in the forest Includes many birds, monkeys, lizards, and other unique creatures The Understory Shrubs grow throughout this area wherever light shines through the canopy Many lizards, snakes, cat-like animals, chimpanzees, and others live in this thick area of leaves, brush, and vines. The Undergrowth (ground) Dark forest floor Many small insects live here such as ants and termites This is also the home of giants such as elephants and gorillas There are also many midsized animals like anteaters, jaguars, and peacocks Where are Rainforests? Rainforests are found near the equator. The climate is very stable, warm, and often wet in places near the equator Stability, warmth, and moisture allow rainforests to thrive Where are Rainforests? Rainforests are located throughout the world in places such as… Central America South America Africa Asia Australia Lets take a look at them… Where are Rainforests? The Amazon Rainforest Located in South America The world’s largest tropical rainforest Home to the greatest variety of plants and animals on Earth. Where are Rainforests? The Central American Rainforest Was once much larger but has been cleared for cattle raising and sugar cane farming Famous for its large number of tropical birds such as parrots Where are Rainforests? The African Rainforest The world’s second largest rainforest Famous for its gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants. Includes the island of Madagascar’s rainforest. Where are Rainforests? The Southeast Asia Rainforest The oldest rainforest on Earth Has the greatest number of plant and animal species Being destroyed at a faster rate than any other rainforest Where are Rainforests? The Australian Rainforest Known for its heavy and wet winds blowing in from the Pacific Ocean Famous for its large number of plant and animal species that are endangered This concludes our general overview of the rainforest. You may click one of the pictures above to go to another section. Clicking the bananas below will take you to the main menu. I love bananas! Rainforest Animals The rainforest is a popular place for animals. There is nothing like a warm climate with plenty of water to enjoy! If you want to meet some of my friends, click through these slides. Rainforest Animals We will begin by meeting some of my best buddies from the tippy-top section of the rainforest: the emerging layer. Toucan My main man the toucan! Toucan’s big beak helps him find food such as small berries and other fruits at the end of branches. It is 8 inches long! Birdwing The birdwing is among the biggest insects in the world. Its wings can reach up to 8 inches long (as wide as the toucan’s beak!). Sometimes I venture to the treetops just to watch this guy fly! Morpho Butterfly Speaking of butterflies, check out the morpho butterfly and its shimmering wings! These flash in the sunlight and make it one of the most beautiful beings in the forest. Great Hornbill The great hornbill has a long beak that it uses to reach food. Its favorite foods are fruit and insects. I think the top part looks like one of those candy corns you see around Halloween. Mmmmmm. Proboscis Monkey Don’t let me forget my cousin, the proboscis monkey. My cousin uses its long nose to make these really loud honking noises. Its nose looks just like those old fashioned bicycle honkers too! I wonder who used the design first? Phillippine Monkey-Eating Eagle Aaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!! This is no friend of mine! This is a monkey eating eagle! It likes to snack on lemurs, flying squirrels, and ME! Lets get out of here! Rainforest Animals Whew! That was a close one. Remind me never to hang around too long in the emergent layer. For now, lets check out the most populated party area in the jungle: the canopy. Scarlet Macaw With its bright colors and loud screeching calls, this is one very noticeable bird. Its strong beak allows it to crack nuts to eat. It also likes to eat fruit and leaves. Macaws often fly in large flocks of up to twenty. Eclectus Parrots Would you believe that these two birds are brother and sister? The female eclectus is the red and blue one. The male is the green one. Quite a colorful family don’t you think? Flying Dragon This is the rainforest’s version of a flying dragon (quite different from the one in Shrek 2). It is actually quite small and uses its wing-like flaps of skin to glide from branch to branch in the treefilled canopy layer. Flying Lemur Dragons aren’t the only unique flyers in the canopy. Lemurs like to soar as well. It uses its huge flaps of skin like a parachute. This allows it to glide from tree to tree. Flying Frog Frogs fly in the canopy too. It uses flaps webs of skin on its feet and flaps on its legs to move from tree to tree. Golden Arrow-Poison Frog Don’t go too close to this guy! Its bright color is meant to warn predators away from his poisonous body. It is so dangerous that tribesmen use its poison to tip their arrows when hunting. Diana Monkey Lets take a look at some monkeys like me! This diana monkey is known for its red-colored fur along its back. The diana monkeys like to travel in troops of up to thirty. They spend nearly all their lives high in the trees eating leaves, fruits, and insects. Black Gibbon Sticking with the monkeys, let me introduce you to the black gibbon. The arms of the gibbon are twice as long as its body. When it stands, they touch the ground. These arms are handy for swinging between trees. If there were a monkey Olympics, you can bet this guy would take home the gold in acrobatics! Red Howler Monkey This is the mother of one of my best friends. Let me tell you, Mrs. Howler is not someone you want to make angry. Your ears will be ringing for a week! Red howlers are some of the loudest animals on Earth. They use their strong voices to warn away enemies (and monkeys like me when we get too rowdy ). Rainforest Animals As you can see, the canopy is quite a place. There are many more animals to meet in the canopy, but for now lets check out the understory. I am sure you will find many of my friends from here very interesting. Curassow Meet the curassow. This bird is quite different from most others you are familiar with. It moves quickly through the trees by running along the branches. Its big strong feet allow it to do this. Aye Aye Aye yay yay! Meet the Aye Aye. This creature has an extra long finger on each hand so he can pull insects from the bark of trees. Its hearing is so good that it can hear insects moving below the bark! No one will sneak up on these guys. Slender Loris The slender loris has special muscles that allow it to grip onto branches for hours without getting tired. It can even hang by just one leg while it eats. Have you noticed its large eyes? Many animals in the understory have very big eyes. Most sunlight does not reach this layer of the rainforest, so big eyes are needed to help animals see. Spectacled Owl The white rings around its eyes give this owl its name. It looks like its wearing spectacles (glasses). This owl has no problem finding food though. It enjoys eating birds, lizards, and other small animals. Emerald Tree Boa Mr. Valle (who doesn’t exactly like snakes) asked that I not introduce you to this creature, but I thought you might like to meet the emerald tree boa. So here he is! Just don’t tell Mr. Valle! This snake wraps its body around its prey and crushes it. A few minutes later, its dinner time!. Leaf-Tailed Gecko Having trouble seeing this one? That is because the leaf-tailed gecko’s spotted back keeps it hidden from others. Its not easy to eat something you can’t see. Do you think this guy sells auto insurance like that other wellknown gecko? Rainforest Animals Finally, lets venture down to the ground level, the undergrowth. This is where I go when I want to stretch my legs with a nice walk. I usually meet some crazy creatures on the forest floor. Lets check them out! Meet the gorilla family. This is my aunt, uncle, and baby cousin George. Gorilla’s like to live in groups together. You should see the size of our extended family gatherings! This side of the family owns most of the size and strength genes. My side has the good looks Asian Elephant Speaking of size and strength! I think of two things when I think of elephants. 1) They are huge! 2) They have trunks. The size speaks for itself, but did you know that elephant trunks are used to eat, drink, and even fight when necessary. In addition to Asian elephants, there are also African elephants which are very similar. Cassowary Lets stick with the big theme and meet a cassowary. This incredible bird can’t fly but can run very fast through the forest. Believe it or not, it can also stand as tall as an adult human! The horny lump on its head protects it as it runs through brush. Jaguar The jaguar is one of the coolest cats in the rainforest. Right now it is relaxing in a tree, but don’t be fooled, this is one fierce hunter. Its spotted coat helps keep it hidden as it hunts down prey. Army Ants This gang defines the meaning of teamwork and shows that you don’t have to be big to survive in the rainforest. By working together, army ants are able to conquer and feast on prey much larger than them. They also build complicated homes and can travel long distances together in search of food. This concludes our animal exploration. You may click one of the pictures above to go to another section. Clicking the bananas below will take you to the main menu. Bananas are delicious! Rainforest Plants The rainforest is home to the largest gathering of plants in all the world. Together, they create a nifty home for me. On their own, they are extremely unique and fascinating to study. Lets take a look at some of the rainforest’s plants. Just click and discover! Bromeliad Related to the pineapple family Thick leaves help it catch and store water Leaves also provide homes for frogs, salamanders, beetles, and others. Vanilla Orrchid One of 20,000 known species of orchids Enjoy moist tropical regions Can grow either in soil or on high up on trees Rafflesia This plant feeds off other plants (killing what it grows on) Its flowers are the largest in the world (over 3 feet wide) Looks and smells like rotting meat to flies (this attracts flies and causes them to pollinate it) Brazil Nut Tree Among tallest of rainforest trees Can live up to 500 years old Produces a nut which can be used for food, as oil to make clocks run smoothly, or to assist in the creation of artists’ paints Surprisingly, Bolivia (not Brazil) is the largest producer of Brazil nuts. Cannonball Tree Similar to the Brazil nut tree Produces large orange, pink, or red flowers which eventually grow into the big cannon ball sized fruit. Heavy fruit is known to fall and can cause injury to those on the forest floor. Rubber Trees One of the most valuable types of trees in the rainforest Its sap can be collected and used to make rubber The wood from this tree is used to make high-quality furniture Kapok Tree Grows up to 220 feet tall and can be over 9 feet wide Easily identified by its tall and wide-spreading branches which stretch out over other trees. Mangroves Lives near the edges of oceans and rivers Wide spreading roots support the tree during flooding and help secure it in muddy areas Roots also trap nutrients Liana Type of climbing vine found in rainforests Attaches to trees using sucker roots Climbs upward to reach sunlight Often spread from tree to tree and wrap themselves around other lianas Bamboo Giant woody grass Can reach up to 120 feet Grow extremely fast Used for food and to create fences, furniture, toys and a variety of other materials Banana Plant The banana plant is known for its fruit which has the same name. This fruit grows in bunches and provides food for rainforest animals (like Max) and people all over the world Cacao Tree Small tree (12-24 feet tall) found in the understory layer Fruit (beans) are used to make cocoa and chocolate Cacao beans from this tree were once used as money in ancient cultures Mostly found in Africa and South America This concludes our study of rainforest plants. You may click one of the pictures above to go to another section. Clicking the bananas below will take you to the main menu. I go bananas for bananas! Save the Rainforest In this portion of my presentation, I need to talk to you about some very serious things. Save the Rainforest You might be surprised to hear this, but the rainforests are in serious danger. They are being destroyed at an extremely fast pace. Save the Rainforest Animals like me are losing our homes every day. So are the many special plants. But that’s not all… Save the Rainforest The destruction of the rainforests can have serious consequences for you too! In fact, the entire world is being harmed by rainforest destruction. Save the Rainforest Please click through these slides so that I can explain how the rainforest is being destroyed, why it is so important to save it, and what you can do to make a difference. Importance of Rainforests Rainforests are home to over half of all the world’s species of plants and animals. Importance of Rainforests Rainforest plants provide some of the most important medicines in the world. Scientists believe that more medical cures can be found within the rainforests. Importance of Rainforests The unique qualities of the rainforest help to stabilize the Earth’s environment. They accomplish this by recycling large portions of the air and creating oxygen. Importance of Rainforests As stabilizers of the environment, rainforests play a huge role in preventing global warming. Importance of Rainforests Rainforests also help to maintain the water cycle. The do this by returning moisture to the air and encouraging rainfall. Importance of Rainforests Rainforests reduce erosion thanks to its many trees and plants which hold soil in place. Without rainforests, many rivers would be clogged with extra dirt and rocks. Destruction of Rainforests Sadly, every year a large portion of the rainforests are cut down and destroyed. Plants and animals lose their homes and the environment is seriously harmed. Destruction of Rainforests Equally sad is the fact that human beings are the cause of most of this destruction. So why do people destroy the rainforests? Destruction of Rainforests Humans are cutting down rainforests for many reasons. These include logging, agriculture, creating cattle grazing areas, and building roads. Destruction of Rainforests Wood for furniture and construction is often taken from rainforests. While non-destructive ways of logging are becoming known, rainforest logging remains very harmful Destruction of Rainforests Thousands of miles are destroyed each year for the creation of farms. Farmers quickly deplete the soil in these cleared areas and must clear even more forest. Destruction of Rainforests Clearing pastures for cattle is the #1 cause of rainforest destruction. Cattle owners seem continuously eager to expand their wealth at the expense of the rainforest. Destruction of Rainforests As roads are built through the rainforest other types of development follow. The result is continuous cycle of rainforest destruction. How to Help Here are some quick and easy steps to doing your part to save the rainforests. How to Help 1) Use less paper, recycle paper, and use recycled paper whenever you can. How to Help 2) Use less plastic by recycling and using recycled products whenever possible. Refill water bottles, reuse plastic bags from home, and look for ways to conserve How to Help 3) Fundraise. There are many organizations dedicated to preserving rainforests. You can help them by chipping in or telling adults about them. How to Help 4) Study. Continue to learn as much as you can about the rainforest. The more you know, the better you will be able to assist when your talents are called upon. How to Help 5) Teach. Don’t keep your understanding of the rainforest to yourself. You now have a lot of valuable knowledge. Spread this to others so that they can help too! Save the Rainforest YOU TRULY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Just remember the 5 steps: 1)Recycle & use less paper 2)Recycle & use less plastic 3)Fundraise 4)Study 5)Teach This concludes our review of why we must preserve the rainforest and what you can do to make a difference. Click a picture above to go to another section. Click the bananas below to go to the main menu. Bananas, bananas, bananas! Vocabulary Review In this section, you will review some important rainforest vocabulary. By understanding these words, you will have a better understanding of the rainforest and its importance in the world. Study hard! STABLE Steady and not likely to change CLIMATE The average weather of a place over a long period of time SPECIES A grouping of a living things based on common characteristics EMERGENT LAYER The highest layer of the rainforest known for its trees that stick out above others. CANOPY The second highest layer in the rainforest and most populated with animals. UNDERSTORY A thick area of leaves, brush, and vines just above the ground layer of the rainforest UNDERGROWTH The bottom or ground layer of the rainforest EQUATOR Imaginary circle around the Earth which is most directly in line with the sun MOISTURE Wetness in an area TROPICAL An area of land that is often very hot and humid PREDATOR An animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals in order to survive PREY Animals caught, killed, and eaten by other animals as food DESTRUCTION The act of destroying something or the remains of something that has been destroyed This concludes our vocabulary review. Make sure you study these terms because Mr. Valle will likely be testing you on them. You may click one of the pictures above to go to another section. Clicking the bananas below will take you to the main menu. Do you like bananas?