George7 Introduction Final

Hi Everyone here is my introduction final.

Introduction

There are three types of rainforests: Tropical, Subtropical and Temperate rainforests. Tropical rainforests are based in the Torrid (Tropical) zone, subtropical are in the subtropical zone, while temperate rainforests are in the temperate zone of the world. Tropical rainforests get on average 4000mm of rainfall each year. This is more than the other types of rainforests. Tropical rainforests are found in South and Central America, Africa, Australia and Asia. Tropical rainforests cover just 6% of Earth. 30 million plant and animals species live in tropical rainforests.

The trees are usually from 30m to 60m tall. They form a dense canopy that stops light getting to the undergrowth. In a Tropical Rainforest it usually rains every day. Trees in the Rainforest shed and grow their leaves all year round. The plants need light, water and food with special nutrients in them. When trees, plants and animals die, they rot very quickly, due to the heat and humidity.

Many different types of fauna are found in the Rainforests, including monkeys, parrots, macaws, army ants, basilisk, flying lizard, harpy eagle, hummingbird, jaguar, possums, okapi, orang-utan, piranha, frogs, hornbill, sloth, bats, butterflies and many more.

People have lived in the rainforests for 1000’s of years. Some of the tribes that live or have lived in Rainforests are the Pygmies, Aztecs, Incas, Australian Aborigines and Indians.

Rainforests are in danger of extinction as their size continues to decrease due to logging, fire and poaching of the rainforest inhabitants.

National parks are protecting the flora and fauna of Rainforests. New laws are being put in place as we realise the importance of rainforests and their inhabitants.