Rainforest Overview

Page 1: Definition and Importance

• Definition of Rainforest

  • Areas of tall, mostly evergreen trees with high rainfall.

  • Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, existing for at least 70 million years.

• Biodiversity

  • Home to over half of the world’s plant and animal species.

  • Covers only 6% of Earth’s surface.

  • Example: A 10-square-kilometer patch can contain:

    • 1,500 flowering plants

    • 750 tree species

    • 400 bird species

    • 150 butterfly species

• Global Distribution

  • Present on every continent except Antarctica.

  • Largest rainforests: Amazon River (South America) and Congo River (Africa).

Page 2: Threats to Rainforests

• Degradation

  • Unsustainable industrial and agricultural development.

• Conservation Efforts

  • Collaboration among citizens, governments, and organizations to protect rainforests.

Page 2: Rainforest Structure

• Four Layers

  • Emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor.

  • Each layer has unique characteristics and interdependent systems.

Page 3: Emergent Layer

• Characteristics

  • Tall trees (up to 60 meters) with sparse foliage.

  • Adaptations: Small, waxy leaves to retain water.

• Flora and Fauna

  • Includes Brazil nut tree and kapok tree.

  • Animals: Birds, bats, gliders, and butterflies.

  • Top predators: White-tailed hawks and harpy eagles.

Page 4: Canopy Layer

• Environment

  • Dense layer blocking wind, rainfall, and sunlight.

• Flora and Fauna

  • Trees produce glossy leaves; many plants encase seeds in fruit.

  • High animal diversity, including macaws, monkeys, and insects.

Page 5: Understory Layer

• Characteristics

  • Dark, humid environment with shorter plants.

• Flora and Fauna

  • Plants like palms and philodendrons; large leaves for sunlight capture.

  • Animals: Jaguars, green mambas, bats, and tree frogs.

Page 6: Forest Floor Layer

• Characteristics

  • Darkest layer with rapid decomposition.