Tropical rainforests

Definition

Tropical rainforests are dense, warm, and wet forests found near the equator, characterized by high annual rainfall and significant biodiversity. They play a crucial role in Earth's oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tropical rainforests receive an annual rainfall ranging from 1750 to 2000 millimeters.
2. They contain over half of the world's plant and animal species despite covering less than 6% of Earth's land area.
3. These biomes have a multi-layered structure including emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor layers.
4. Tropical rainforests play a critical role in regulating global climate by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide.
5. Deforestation is a significant threat to tropical rainforests, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.

Review Questions

• What is the average annual rainfall range for tropical rainforests?
• How much of Earth's land area do tropical rainforests cover compared to their contribution to global biodiversity?
• Name the four structural layers of a tropical rainforest.

Related terms

Canopy: The upper layer of trees in a forest that forms a dense covering, home to many animals and plants.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Deforestation:

The process of clearing forests, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land.