Tropical Rain Forest
By: Vianey Avila
Introduction
Tropical Rain forests are located all around the world mainly somewhere near the equator! For example they can be found in Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, Central America, and Mexico. They include many abiotic factors such as temperature, rainfall, dirt, rocks, and water. Here in the rain forest there is a year-round warmth and of course a lot of rainfall from 50-260 inches per year. The temperature ranges from 68-93 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity percentage ranges from 77-88%. In the monsoonal areas there is a real dry season besides that it's mostly warm and humid.
Plant Life
Plants in the tropical rain forest contain more than two-thirds of the plant specie. They help shelter animals, give them food and help provide most of the worlds oxygen. Since there are many varieties of plants they all compete for light and food. Therefore some of them have adapted to the climate and grow on top of tree branches, like the strangler fig. What the Strangler Fig does is start to grow on a tree and once it's an adult the Strangler Fig strangles the tree and uses it as a home. Then there's the carnivorous plants such as the Venus Flytrap, they obtain their nutrients from insects and small animals that wonder into their mouth. Orchids have learned to adapt by having beautiful flowers that attract insects. Bromeliads also adapt by catching rainwater and that helps them create a home for frogs and tadpoles. The warm weather helps the Saprophytes because it accelerates their decomposing rate.
Animals
There are billions of animal species that inhabit tropical rain forests, around half of the worlds species! They all live in harmony because there is enough shelter and water plus it is always warm so they don't have to worry about freezing to death. Although the animals do compete for sunlight and food, and they have learned to adapt by developing unique skills that will help them survive. For example the three-toed sloth uses camouflage and its slowness to escape predators such as jaguars. Then there is the anaconda, which preys on the Capybara, a large rodent, they both live in or near the water. The Giant Anteater eats ants and termites therefore being a predator to them. There is also the Poison Dart Frog, it is a very deadly frog that can kill ten strong men and other animals just with its skin, which contains Neurotoxin (a poisonous toxin). Animals also help each other out like some birds help trees by dispersing their seed to other parts of the rain forest. Although just like animals cooperate with each other they also compete like some monkeys fight for the trees with the most fruit.
Ecological Concerns
When it comes down to things that threaten the tropical rain forest there is a bunch. Trees are being cut down and turned into floors and other furniture. Power plants and other industries burn the trees to produce energy. Areas of rain forests are cleared too make graze land for cattle. Paper industries turn the trees into pulp, the list could go on and on but there are solutions! There are campaigns that educate people about the deforestation and you can also buy sustainable rain forests products to decrease the sale in rain forest management. Another ecological concern is the endangered species that can be found in the tropical rain forest. The Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey, its nearly extinct because of its fur which is really fine and can be sold up to 20,000 dollars on the black market. Another endangered species are the toucan and parrots, they either lose their habitats or are captured to be made into a pet. In conclusion the tropical rain forest is important because it absorbs most of the carbon dioxide which keeps the greenhouse affect from happening.
Interesting Facts
- At least every day one species is disappearing
- Home to around 50-90% of the worlds species
- Many chemicals come from here to make medicines
- It regulates temperature and weather
- At least 80% of fruits originated from here
- Things decompose 10 times quicker here than in any other biome
- Most of the worlds rain forests are populated by indigenous people