What is a rainforest?

• Woodland characterized by lush vegetation, comparatively high temperature, and rainfall throughout the year.

• The world’s most biologically diverse ecosystem.

• Account for less than 7% of the land surface on earth, but contain more than 50% of its plant and animal species.

• Emergent Tree – the tallest trees which enjoy unfettered sunlight.

• Canopy Layer – absorbs as much as 90% of the sunlight, darkening the lower regions.

• Understory – receives little sunlight, therefore boasts cooler temperature and higher humidity.

• Forest Floor – home to many of the rainforest’s insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

• Most plants found in the rainforest are unique to that biome.

• Many of these plants are eaten by the indigenous people and/or used for medicine.

• Millions of plant species exist in the rainforest.

• In 15 sq km (6 sp mi) of rain forest, as many as 100 different mammal species may be found.

• Most rainforest animals are nocturnal, sleeping during the heat of the day.

• Almost 90% of the rainforest animal species are insects, and of these, most are beetles.

• Some estimate that as many as 30 million insect species may live in the rainforest.

• Indigenous, or native, people have lived in the rainforest for many thousands of years.

• Much of their food, medicines, and clothing come from the rainforest.

• Besides hunting, gathering wild fruits and nuts and fishing, they also plant small gardens.

The rainforest is in DANGER . . .

1. Use less paper.

2. Use less gasoline and plastic.

3. Eat less red meat.

4. Fundraise for the rainforest.

5. Write a letter.

6. Educate yourself and others!