Amazon Rainforest

Definition

The Amazon Rainforest is a vast tropical rainforest located primarily in Brazil, but also extending into Peru, Colombia, and several other South American countries. It is the largest rainforest on Earth and plays a critical role in maintaining global biodiversity, acting as a major carbon sink, and supporting countless species of flora and fauna.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Amazon Rainforest is home to about 10% of the known species on Earth, making it one of the most biodiverse ecosystems.
2. It spans over 5.5 million square kilometers, which is roughly the size of the entire European continent.
3. The Amazon produces more than 20% of the world's oxygen through photosynthesis and is often referred to as the 'lungs of the planet.'
4. Many indigenous communities live in the Amazon, relying on its resources for their livelihoods and cultural practices.
5. Deforestation rates have surged in recent years due to agriculture, logging, and mining, threatening its biodiversity and ecological functions.

Review Questions

• How does the Amazon Rainforest contribute to global biodiversity?
  • The Amazon Rainforest significantly contributes to global biodiversity by hosting an estimated 10% of all known species on Earth. This includes a vast range of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that are not found anywhere else. The high levels of genetic diversity among these species help ecosystems adapt to changes and maintain resilience against threats like climate change.
• Discuss the impact of deforestation on the ecosystem services provided by the Amazon Rainforest.
  • Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest severely impacts ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil fertility. When trees are cut down or burned, carbon stored in biomass is released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Additionally, removing trees disrupts water cycles, leading to changes in rainfall patterns and affecting agricultural productivity both locally and globally.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of losing biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest for both local communities and global ecosystems.
  • The loss of biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest poses significant long-term implications for local communities who depend on its resources for food, medicine, and cultural identity. As species disappear, traditional knowledge and practices may also vanish. Globally, declining biodiversity disrupts ecosystem stability and resilience, diminishing essential services like pollination and climate regulation. This can lead to cascading effects that threaten food security and exacerbate climate change impacts across various regions.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Deforestation: The process of clearing forested land, which poses significant threats to biodiversity and contributes to climate change.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.