Tropical RainforestsA Guide to Understanding Rainforests

Rainforest Basics

3 locations: Latin America, Western Equatorial Africa, South-East Asia

Forest containing thousands of different species Fungi, plants, trees, animals

Has been evolving over millions of years Extreme diversity among all species Hot and humid climate year round, consists of rain and

sunlight Deforestation is a major concern for rainforest’s survival

(IMAX-Presents)

Vertical Structure of the Rainforest Ground Level

Forest floor, little growth and minute amount of light Location of extreme decomposition

Understory Layer of lower canopy, varied levels of leaves and branches

Canopy Ceiling of tree branches and leaves, largest amount of vegetation Function: conversion of sunlight to energy through photosynthesis

Overstory Highest level of the rainforest, consists of trees 20 – 100 ft above the canopy layer

(Pantas)

http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/canopy/canopy-tour-costa-rica.jpg

Deforestation The act of cutting down trees

for personal benefits

Major motivation is for economic purposes

Has a global impact on species, loss of ecosystems, loss of renewable resources, and reduction of carbon sinks (Butler)

Many federal governments have stepped in to help stop (“Preventing Pillage”)

http://rainforests.mongabay.com/0901.htm

“TREES”- Five Basic Steps to Saving Rainforests

TEACH others about the environment, why it is important, and what they can do to help save the rainforests.

RESTORE the damaged ecosystems by helping replant trees on land previously cut down.

ENCOURAGE others to live without harming the rainforest and environment

ESTABLISH parks to protect rainforests and wildlife SUPPORT companies and organizations that have made a

pledge to help minimize damaging effects to the environment

(Butler)

Animals of the Rainforest Consists of up to 50 million

species (Pantas) Over 50% of the world’s species

live in the rainforest When deforestation occurs,

animals are forced to either migrate or they die

Animals have special adaptations that enable them to live in the extreme climate

Ex. Parrots, orangutans, ocelots, lemurs, gorillas, etc.

http://www.duke.edu/web/nicholas/bio217/jmz28/parrots.jpg

http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/wes/webquests_themes/animals/rainforest_animals/images/ocelot.jpg(Rainforest)

Conservation Efforts

Ecotourism Enables locals to raise money themselves by entrance fees,

creating tourism jobs, utilizing accommodations and amenities by locals

Bio-prospecting fees Giving scientists and other countries the right to use native

plants and species for their own benefit without any harm, scientists and countries will give country money for compensation

Corporate sponsorships Enabling companies and individuals to adopt parks

(Butler)

References

Butler, Rhett A. “How to Save Tropical Rainforests - Introduction.” Mongabay.com / A Place Out of Time: Tropical Rainforests and the Perils They Face. 9 January 2006. http://rainforests.mongabay.com/1001.htm.

IMAX Presents - Tropical Rainforest. Dir. Ben Shedd. Perf. Geoffrey Holder. Vista Point Ent, 1992. Film.

Pantas, Lee James. "About Rain Forests." Liza's Reef -Coral Reef Art. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. <http://www.lizasreef.com/HOPE%20FOR%20THE%20RAIN %20FORESTS/about_rain_forests.htm>

"Preventing pillage in the rainforest." Economist 390.8620 (2009): 39. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 16 Nov. 2009.

"Rainforest." Rainforest Animals. The Animal Spot, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2009. <http://www.rainforestanimals.net/rainforest.html>.