Tropical Rainforests A Guide to Understanding Rainforests
Slide 2
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 rainforests survival
(IMAX-Presents)
Slide 3
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
Slide 4
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
Slide 5
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)
Slide 6
Animals of the Rainforest Consists of up to 50 million species
(Pantas) Over 50% of the worlds 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/r
ainforest_animals/images/ocelot.jpg (Rainforest)
Slide 7
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)
Slide 8
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. "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..