Why is there so much diversity in the rainforest?

Explanation: The high species richness or biodiversity found in tropical rain forests is mainly due to their geographic location and the amount of precipitation they receive. Tropical rainforests fall along the equator and receive a large amount of precipitation.

Why does the Amazon have so many species?

Scientists have long believed that the wealth of species in tropical climes was caused by external forces such as climate change which split the rainforest up: leading to separate evolution in separate forest ‘refuges’. In each refuge, it was thought that the isolated populations eventually developed into new species.

What is the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest?

The Amazon is one of Earth’s last refuges for jaguars, harpy eagles, and pink river dolphins, and it is home to sloths, black spider monkeys, and poison dart frogs. It contains one in 10 known species on Earth, 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish species, and more than 370 types of reptiles.

Why is biodiversity so important in the Amazon?

Amazon biodiversity also plays a critical role as part of global systems, influencing the global carbon cycle and thus climate change, as well as hemispheric hydrological systems, serving as an important anchor for South American climate and rainfall.

What is the biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest?

The Amazon Rainforest and Biodiversity As an ecosystem, the Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Over 3 million species live in the rainforest, and over 2,500 tree species (or one-third of all tropical trees that exist on earth) help to create and sustain this vibrant ecosystem.

What is the biodiversity of tropical rainforest?

Tropical rainforests are the most biologically diverse terrestrial ecosystems in the world. The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It is home to around 40,000 plant species, nearly 1,300 bird species, 3,000 types of fish, 427 species of mammals, and 2.5 million different insects.

Why Amazon forest is rich in biodiversity?

As an ecosystem, the Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Over 3 million species live in the rainforest, and over 2,500 tree species (or one-third of all tropical trees that exist on earth) help to create and sustain this vibrant ecosystem.

What is the Amazon forest?

The Amazon rainforest, alternatively, the Amazon jungle or Amazonia, is a moist broadleaf tropical rainforest in the Amazon biome that covers most of the Amazon basin of South America. This basin encompasses 7,000,000 km2 (2,700,000 sq mi), of which 5,500,000 km2 (2,100,000 sq mi) are covered by the rainforest.

How are animals affected by deforestation in the Amazon?

Deforestation leads to loss of habitat for hundreds of animals and birds. So much so, that many local species are now endangered. The gaps left between trees mean creatures such as the Peruvian Woolly Monkey are unable to move around easily, making it very difficult to keep safe and find food.

Why is the Amazon rainforest important to animals?

Rainforests contain about half of the existing plant and animal species in the world. They contain a third of the world’s bird species and 90\% of its invertebrates. The remaining African rainforests contain more animals and plant species than are found anywhere else on the continent.

What is the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest?

The biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest is absolutely staggering. It’s 5.5 million km² covers 40\% of South America and nine countries. It contains nearly 10\% of all known wildlife species with new discoveries being made on average every three days.

Why do rainforests have an abundance of plants and animals?

Rainforests have an abundance of plants and animals for the following reasons: Climate: because rainforests are located in tropical regions, they receive a lot of sunlight. The sunlight is converted to energy by plants through the process of photosynthesis. Since there is a lot of sunlight, there is a lot of energy in the rainforest.

How does human activity affect the Amazon rainforest?

Both in the Amazon and globally, ecosystems are being encroached upon, altered, and transformed by human activity. This in turn impacts the biodiversity of an area and the types and quality of functions an environment can provide. Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) are seen here in Cristalino State Park.

What is an example of flora and fauna ecosystem?

For example, the Amazon rainforest supplies a massive amount of oxygen and resources. Every single plant and animal offers something to this world. This brings a balance of life known as flora and fauna ecosystem. It helps to sustain the life cycle of flora and fauna. Humans enjoy most of the resources available on earth.