Array ( [0] => {{Other uses}} [1] => {{pp-semi-indef}} [2] => {{pp-move-indef}} [3] => {{short description|Type of forest with high rainfall}} [4] => [5] => {{multiple image [6] => | border = thumb [7] => | perrow = 1/2/2 [8] => | total_width = 320 [9] => | image1 = Chiapas Rainforest crop.jpg [10] => | alt1 = [11] => | image2 = Olympic Rainforest Hiker.jpg [12] => | alt2 = [13] => | image3 = Gunung Palung Jungle.jpg [14] => | alt3 = [15] => | image4 = Khao Sok primary tropical rainforest, southern Thailand.jpg [16] => | alt4 = [17] => | image5 = Palawan, Tropical jungle rainforest.jpg [18] => | alt5 = [19] => | image6 = Rain Forest Walk - Pacific Rim National Park - Vancouver Island BC - Canada Crop- 01.jpg|alt6 [20] => | image7 = Borneo rainforest.jpg [21] => | alt7 = [22] => | align =
'''Clockwise from top''':
[23] => | direction = [24] => | caption1 = A thick rainforest in [[Chiapas]], [[Mexico]] [25] => | caption2 = [[Olympic rain forest|Olympic rainforest]] located at [[Olympic Peninsula]], [[Washington state]] [26] => | caption3 = Rainforest at [[Mount Palung National Park]], [[Borneo]] [27] => | caption4 = A paranomic view of the Tropical rainforest, [[Nilgiri mountains]], [[India]] [28] => | caption5 = [[Canopy (biology)|Canopy]] of [[Khao Sok National Park|Khao Sok]] tropical rainforest [29] => | caption6 = Primitive tropical rainforest in [[Palawan]] [30] => | caption7 = Rainforests in [[Pacific Rim National Park Reserve]] [31] => }} [32] => '''Rainforests''' are [[forest]]s characterized by a closed and continuous tree [[Canopy (biology)|canopy]], moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of [[epiphyte]]s and [[liana]]s and the absence of wildfire. Rainforests can be generally classified as [[tropical rainforest]]s or [[temperate rainforest]]s, but other types have been described. [33] => [34] => Estimates vary from 40% to 75% of all [[biotic community|biotic]] [[species]] being [[Indigenous (ecology)|indigenous]] to the rainforests.{{cite web|url=http://www.rainforests.net/variables.htm |title=Rainforests.net – Variables and Math |access-date=2009-01-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205135329/http://www.rainforests.net/variables.htm |archive-date=2008-12-05 }} There may be many millions of species of plants, insects and [[microorganism]]s still undiscovered in tropical rainforests. Tropical rainforests have been called the "jewels of the Earth" and the "[[medicine chest (idiom)|world's largest pharmacy]]", because over one quarter of natural [[medicine]]s have been discovered there.{{cite web |url=http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/rainforests/rainforests.html |title=Rainforests at Animal Center |publisher=Animalcorner.co.uk |date=2004-01-01 |access-date=2012-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708045901/http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/rainforests/rainforests.html |archive-date=2012-07-08 }} [35] => [36] => Rainforests as well as endemic rainforest species are rapidly disappearing due to [[#Deforestation|deforestation]], the resulting [[habitat loss]] and [[air pollution|pollution of the atmosphere]].{{cite web|url=http://rainforests.mongabay.com/0908.htm |title=Impact of Deforestation – Extinction |publisher=Rainforests.mongabay.com |access-date=2012-08-26}} [37] => [38] => ==Definition== [39] => Rainforests are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, high humidity, the presence of moisture-dependent vegetation, a moist layer of leaf litter, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. The largest areas of rainforest are tropical or temperate rainforests, but other vegetation associations including [[Laurel forest|subtropical rainforest]], [[Littoral Rainforests of New South Wales|littoral rainforest]], [[cloud forest]], vine thicket and even dry rainforest have been described.{{cite web |title=Rainforests |url=https://www.wettropics.gov.au/rainforest |publisher=Wet Tropics Management Authority |access-date=9 July 2021}}{{cite web |title=Rainforests |url=https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/habitats/rainforests |publisher=The State of Queensland |access-date=9 July 2021}}{{cite web |title=Rainforests |url=https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/VegFormation.aspx?formationName=Rainforests |publisher=New South Wales Government Office of Environment and heritage |access-date=9 July 2021}}{{cite web |title=Dry Rainforest |url=https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/conservation/conservation-on-private-land/bush-information-management/identify-your-bush-type/bush-with-a-tree-layer-made-up-of-trees-that-are-not-eucalypts/dry-rainforest |publisher=Tasmanian Government Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment |access-date=9 July 2021}}{{cite web |title=Western Sydney Dry Rainforest |url=https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/EECinfoWesternSydneyDryRainforest.pdf |publisher=New South Wales Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment |access-date=9 July 2021}} [40] => [41] => ===Tropical rainforest=== [42] => [[File:Koppen-Geiger Map Af present.svg|thumb|upright=1.4|Worldwide tropical rainforest climate zones.]] [43] => {{Main|Tropical rainforest}} [44] => Tropical rainforests are characterized by a warm and wet climate with no substantial dry season: typically found within 10 degrees north and south of the [[equator]]. Mean monthly temperatures exceed {{convert|18|C|F}} during all months of the year.Susan Woodward. [http://www.radford.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/rainforest/rainfrst.html Tropical broadleaf Evergreen Forest: The rainforest.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225054655/http://www.radford.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/rainforest/rainfrst.html |date=2008-02-25 }} Retrieved on 2008-03-14. Average annual [[rain]]fall is no less than {{convert|168|cm|in|abbr=on}} and can exceed {{convert|1000|cm|in|abbr=on}} although it typically lies between {{convert|175|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|200|cm|in|abbr=on}}.Newman, Arnold. The Tropical Rainforest : A World Survey of Our Most Valuable Endangered Habitat : With a Blueprint for Its Survival. New York: Checkmark, 2002. Print. [45] => [46] => Many of the world's [[tropical forests]] are associated with the location of the [[monsoon trough]], also known as the [[intertropical convergence zone]].Hobgood (2008). [http://geog-www.sbs.ohio-state.edu/courses/G230/hobgood/ASP230Lecture24.ppt Global Pattern of Surface Pressure and Wind.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318021749/http://geog-www.sbs.ohio-state.edu/courses/G230/hobgood/ASP230Lecture24.ppt |date=2009-03-18 }} [[Ohio State University]]. Retrieved on 2009-03-08. The broader category of [[tropical moist forests]] are located in the [[Equator|equatorial zone]] between the [[Tropic of Cancer]] and [[Tropic of Capricorn]]. Tropical rainforests exist in [[Southeast Asia]] (from [[Burma|Myanmar (Burma)]]) to the [[Philippines]], [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]], [[Papua New Guinea]] and [[Sri Lanka]]; also in [[Sub-Saharan Africa]] from the [[Cameroon]] to the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]] ([[Congolian forests|Congo Rainforest]]), [[South America]] (e.g. the [[Amazon rainforest]]), [[Central America]] (e.g. [[Bosawás Biosphere Reserve|Bosawás]], the southern [[Yucatán Peninsula]]-[[Petén Department|El Peten]]-[[Belize]]-[[Calakmul Biosphere Reserve|Calakmul]]), [[Australia]], and on [[Pacific Islands]] (such as [[Hawaiian tropical rainforests|Hawai{{okina}}i]]). Tropical forests have been called the "Earth's [[lung]]s", although it is now known that rainforests contribute little net [[oxygen]] addition to the [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]] through [[photosynthesis]].Broeker, Wallace S. (2006). "Breathing easy: Et tu, O2." Columbia University [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/21stC/issue-2.1/broecker.htm Columbia.edu]{{Cite journal | doi=10.1007/BF00890069|title = Deforestation and land use in the Brazilian Amazon| journal=Human Ecology| volume=21| pages=1–21|year = 1993|last1 = Moran|first1 = Emilio F.|s2cid = 153481315}} [47] => [48] => ===Temperate rainforest=== [49] => [[File:Temperate rainforest map.svg|thumb|upright=1.4|General distribution of [[temperate rainforest]]s]][[File:Rain Forest Walk - Pacific Rim National Park - Vancouver Island BC - Canada - 01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Temperate rainforest in [[Pacific Rim National Park Reserve]] in Canada]] [50] => {{Main|Temperate rainforest}} [51] => [52] => Tropical forests cover a large part of the globe, but temperate rainforests only occur in a few regions around the world.{{cite journal |last1=Link |first1=Timothy E. |last2=Unsworth |first2=Mike |last3=Marks |first3=Danny |title=The dynamics of rainfall interception by a seasonal temperate rainforest |journal=Agricultural and Forest Meteorology |date=August 2004 |volume=124 |issue=3–4 |pages=171–191 |doi=10.1016/j.agrformet.2004.01.010 |bibcode=2004AgFM..124..171L }}{{cite journal |last1=Cunningham |first1=S. C. |last2=Read |first2=J. |title=Do temperate rainforest trees have a greater ability to acclimate to changing temperatures than tropical rainforest trees? |journal=New Phytologist |date=January 2003 |volume=157 |issue=1 |pages=55–64 |doi=10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00652.x |pmid=33873691 |doi-access=free |hdl=10536/DRO/DU:30080507 |hdl-access=free }} Temperate rainforests are rainforests in [[temperateness|temperate]] regions. They occur in [[North America]] (in the [[Pacific Northwest]] in [[Alaska]], [[British Columbia]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], [[Oregon]] and [[California]]), in [[Europe]] (parts of the [[British Isles]] such as the coastal areas of [[Ireland]] and [[Scotland]], [[southern Norway]], parts of the western [[Balkans]] along the [[Adriatic Sea|Adriatic]] coast, as well as in [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]] and coastal areas of the eastern [[Black Sea]], including [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and coastal [[Turkey]]), in [[East Asia]] (in [[Northern and southern China|southern China]], Highlands of [[Taiwan]], much of [[Japan]] and [[Korea]], and on [[Sakhalin|Sakhalin Island]] and the adjacent [[Temperate rainforests of the Russian Far East|Russian Far East]] coast), in [[South America]] (southern [[Chile]]) and also in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]].{{cite web|url= http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/temprain.htm|title= The Temperate Rainforest}} [53] => [54] => ===Dry rainforest=== [55] => Dry rainforests have a more open canopy layer than other rainforests,{{cite web |last1=Coleby-Williams |first1=Jerry |title=Kumbartcho Dry Rainforest |url=https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/kumbartcho-dry-rainforest/12828434 |website=Gardening Australia |publisher=ABC |access-date=6 May 2022| date=2020}} and are found in areas of lower rainfall ({{cvt|630-1100|mm|in|0}}). They generally have two layers of trees.{{cite web | date=2004 |title=Identification of Rainforest: Field Guide |url=https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/pnf/OGRFreviewFieldGuide.pdf |website=Department of Environment and Conservation |publisher=NSW Government |access-date=6 May 2022}} [56] => [57] => ==Layers== [58] => {{main|Stratification (vegetation)}} [59] => A tropical rainforest typically has a number of layers, each with different plants and animals adapted for life in that particular area. Examples include the emergent, [[canopy (biology)|canopy]], [[understory]] and [[forest floor]] layers.{{cite journal |last1=Denslow |first1=J S |title=Tropical Rainforest Gaps and Tree Species Diversity |journal=Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics |date=November 1987 |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=431–451 |doi=10.1146/annurev.es.18.110187.002243 }}{{cite journal |title=A Physiognomic Classification of Australian Rain Forests|first1=Len|last1=Webb|author-link=Leonard Webb (academic) | journal = Journal of Ecology| publisher=British Ecological Society : Journal of Ecology Vol. 47, No. 3, pp. 551-570|date=1 Oct 1959|volume = 47|issue = 3|pages = 551–570|doi = 10.2307/2257290|jstor = 2257290|bibcode=1959JEcol..47..551W }} [60] => [61] => ===Emergent layer=== [62] => The '''emergent layer''' contains a small number of very large [[tree]]s called '''emergents''', which grow above the general [[Canopy (forest)|canopy]], reaching heights of 45–55 m, although on occasion a few species will grow to 70–80 m tall.{{cite book |last= Bourgeron |first= Patrick S.|editor= Frank B. Golley |title=Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystems. Structure and Function |year= 1983 |edition= 14A|series= Ecosystems of the World |publisher= Elsevier Scientific |isbn= 0-444-41986-1 |pages= 29–47 |chapter= Spatial Aspects of Vegetation Structure}}{{cite web | url = http://www.nativetreesociety.org/worldtrees/sea_ei/malaysia/sabah2005.htm | title = Sabah | publisher = Eastern Native Tree Society | access-date= 2007-11-14}} They need to be able to withstand the hot temperatures and strong winds that occur above the canopy in some areas. [[Eagle]]s, [[Butterfly|butterflies]], [[bat]]s and certain [[monkey]]s inhabit this layer. [63] => [64] => ===Canopy layer=== [65] => {{Main|Canopy (biology)}} [66] => [[File:FRIM canopy.JPG|thumb|The canopy at the [[Forest Research Institute Malaysia]] showing [[crown shyness]]]] [67] => The '''canopy''' layer contains the majority of the largest trees, typically {{convert|30|m}} to {{convert|45|m}} tall. The densest areas of [[biodiversity]] are found in the forest canopy, a more or less continuous cover of foliage formed by adjacent treetops. The canopy, by some estimates, is home to 50 percent of all plant species. [[Epiphyte|Epiphytic plants]] attach to [[Trunk (botany)|trunks]] and [[branch]]es, and obtain water and minerals from rain and debris that collects on the supporting plants. The fauna is similar to that found in the emergent layer but more diverse. A quarter of all insect species are believed to exist in the rainforest canopy. Scientists have long suspected the richness of the canopy as a habitat, but have only recently developed practical methods of exploring it. As long ago as 1917, [[Natural history|naturalist]] [[William Beebe]] declared that "another continent of life remains to be discovered, not upon the Earth, but one to two hundred feet above it, extending over thousands of square miles." A true exploration of this habitat only began in the 1980s, when scientists developed methods to reach the canopy, such as firing ropes into the trees using [[crossbow]]s. [[Canopy research|Exploration of the canopy]] is still in its infancy, but other methods include the use of [[Balloon (aircraft)|balloons]] and [[airship]]s to float above the highest branches and the building of cranes and walkways planted on the forest floor. The science of accessing tropical forest canopy using airships or similar aerial platforms is called [[dendronautics]].{{Cite web|url=http://dendronautics.org/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614070953/http://www.dendronautics.org/|url-status=dead|title=dendronautics|archivedate=June 14, 2006}} [68] => [69] => ===Understory layer=== [70] => {{Main|Understory}} [71] => The '''understory''' or '''understorey''' layer lies between the canopy and the forest floor. It is home to a number of [[bird]]s, [[snake]]s and [[lizard]]s, as well as [[predation|predators]] such as [[jaguar]]s, [[boa (genus)|boa constrictors]] and [[leopard]]s. The leaves are much larger at this level and insect life is abundant. Many [[seedling]]s that will grow to the canopy level are present in the understory. Only about 5% of the sunlight shining on the rainforest canopy reaches the understory. This layer can be called a ''[[shrub layer]]'', although the shrub layer may also be considered a separate layer. [72] => [73] => ===Forest floor=== [74] => {{main|Forest floor}} [75] => [76] => [[File:Forest in the bluemountains.jpg|thumb|Rainforest in the [[Blue Mountains (Australia)|Blue Mountains]], [[Australia]]]] [77] => The '''forest floor''', the bottom-most layer, receives only 2% of the sunlight. Only plants [[Adaptation|adapted]] to low light can grow in this region. Away from [[river]]banks, [[swamp]]s and clearings, where dense undergrowth is found, the forest floor is relatively clear of vegetation because of the low sunlight penetration. It also contains [[decomposition|decaying]] plant and animal matter, which disappears quickly, because the warm, humid conditions promote rapid decay. Many forms of [[Fungus|fungi]] growing here help decay the animal and plant waste. [78] => {{-}} [79] => [80] => ==Flora and fauna== [81] => More than half of the world's species of plants and animals are found in rainforests.{{cite web|url=http://www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm |title=Rainforest Facts |publisher=Rain-tree.com |access-date=2012-08-26}} Rainforests support a very broad array of [[fauna]], including [[mammal]]s, [[reptile]]s, [[amphibian]]s, [[bird]]s and [[invertebrate]]s. Mammals may include [[primate]]s, [[felidae|felids]] and other families. Reptiles include [[snake]]s, [[turtle]]s, [[chameleon]]s and other families; while birds include such families as [[vanga|vangidae]] and [[cuckoo|Cuculidae]]. Dozens of families of invertebrates are found in rainforests. [[Fungus|Fungi]] are also very common in rainforest areas as they can feed on the decomposing remains of plants and animals. [82] => [83] => The great diversity in rainforest species is in large part the result of diverse and numerous physical [[Refuge (ecology)|refuges]],{{cite journal |last1=Ritchie |first1=Euan G. |last2=Johnson |first2=Christopher N. |title=Predator interactions, mesopredator release and biodiversity conservation |journal=[[Ecology Letters]] |date=September 2009 |volume=12 |issue=9 |pages=982–998 |doi=10.1111/j.1461-0248.2009.01347.x |pmid=19614756 |s2cid=11744558 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2009EcolL..12..982R |hdl=10536/DRO/DU:30039763 |hdl-access=free }} i.e. places in which plants are inaccessible to many herbivores, or in which animals can hide from predators. Having numerous refuges available also results in much higher total [[Biomass (ecology)|biomass]] than would otherwise be possible.{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/0040-5809(87)90019-0 |title=Prey refuges and predator-prey stability |journal=Theoretical Population Biology |volume=31 |pages=1–12 |year=1987 |last1=Sih |first1=Andrew }}{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/0040-5809(86)90004-3 |pmid=3961711 |title=The effects of refuges on predator-prey interactions: A reconsideration |journal=Theoretical Population Biology |volume=29 |issue=1 |pages=38–63 |year=1986 |last1=McNair |first1=James N.}} [84] => [85] => [86] => File:Ursus americanus kermodei, Great Bear Rainforest 1.jpg|A [[Kermode bear]] from the [[Great Bear Rainforest]], [[Canada]] [87] => File:Mudumalai by N A Nazeer (cropped).jpg|A [[Bengal tiger]] in [[Mudumalai National Park]], [[India]] [88] => File:Standing jaguar.jpg|A [[South American jaguar|jaguar]] in the [[Amazon Rainforest]], [[South America]] [89] => File:MonkeyJungle 03.JPG|[[Western lowland gorilla]] in the [[African rainforest]] [90] => File:Pongo tapanuliensis2.jpg|[[Orangutans]] in [[Tanjung Puting]], Indonesia [91] => File:Anaconda jaune 34.JPG|[[Yellow anaconda|Yellow anacondas]] reside in the [[Amazon basin]] [92] => File:Lion-tailed macaque by N A Naseer.jpg|[[Lion-tailed macaque]] in [[Silent Valley National Park]], India [93] => File:Amazon macaw.jpg|A [[Macaw]] in the Amazon rainforest [94] => Some species of fauna show a trend towards declining populations in rainforests, for example, reptiles that feed on amphibians and reptiles. This trend requires close monitoring.Barquero-González, J.P., Stice, T.L., Gómez, G., & [[Julian Monge Najera|Monge-Nájera, J.]] (2020). Are tropical reptiles really declining? A six-year survey of snakes in a tropical coastal rainforest: role of prey and environment. ''[[Revista de Biología Tropical]]'', 68(1), 336-343. The seasonality of rainforests affects the reproductive patterns of amphibians, and this in turn can directly affect the species of reptiles that feed on these groups,Oliveira, M.E., & Martins, M. (2001). When and where to find a pitviper: activity patterns and habitat use of the lancehead, ''Bothrops atrox'', in central Amazonia, Brazil. ''Herpetological Natural History, 8''(2), 101'''''-'''''110. particularly species with specialized feeding, since these are less likely to use alternative resources.Terborgh, J., & Winter, B. (1980). Some causes of extinction. ''Conservation Biology, 2'', 119'''''-'''''133. [95] => [96] => ==Soils== [97] => {{More citations needed section [98] => | date = February 2020 [99] => }} [100] => Despite the growth of [[vegetation]] in a tropical rainforest, [[soil quality]] is often quite poor. Rapid [[bacteria]]l decay prevents the accumulation of [[humus]]. The concentration of [[iron]] and [[aluminium]] [[oxide]]s by the [[Laterite|laterization]] process gives the [[oxisol]]s a bright red colour and sometimes produces [[mineral]] [[deposition (geology)|deposits]] such as [[bauxite]]. Most trees have roots near the surface because there are insufficient nutrients below the surface; most of the trees' minerals come from the top layer of decomposing leaves and animals. On younger substrates, especially of [[Volcano|volcanic]] origin, tropical soils may be quite fertile. If rainforest trees are cleared, rain can accumulate on the exposed soil surfaces, creating run-off, and beginning a process of soil [[erosion]]. Eventually, streams and rivers form and flooding becomes possible. There are several reasons for the poor soil quality. First is that the soil is highly acidic. The roots of plants rely on an acidity difference between the roots and the soil in order to absorb nutrients. When the soil is acidic, there is little difference, and therefore little absorption of nutrients from the soil. Second, the type of clay particles present in tropical rainforest soil has a poor ability to trap nutrients and stop them from washing away. Even if humans artificially add nutrients to the soil, the nutrients mostly wash away and are not absorbed by the plants. Finally, these soils are poor due to the high volume of rain in tropical rainforests washes nutrients out of the soil more quickly than in other climates.{{cite web |last1=Baird |first1=Dr. Chris S. |title=What makes the soil in tropical rainforests so rich? |url=http://wtamu.edu/~cbaird/sq/2013/07/12/what-makes-the-soil-in-tropical-rainforests-so-rich/ |website=Science Questions with Surprising Answers |access-date=11 April 2019}} [101] => [102] => ==Effect on global climate== [103] => A natural rainforest emits and absorbs vast quantities of [[carbon dioxide]]. On a global scale, long-term fluxes are approximately in balance, so that an undisturbed rainforest would have a small net impact on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels,{{cite web|url=http://www.grida.no/CLIMATE/IPCC_TAR/wg1/pdf/TAR-03.PDF |title=Grida.no |access-date=2012-08-26}} though they may have other climatic effects (on [[cloud]] formation, for example, by recycling [[water vapour]]). No rainforest today can be considered to be undisturbed.{{cite journal |last1=Lewis |first1=S. L. |last2=Phillips |first2=O. L.|author2-link=Oliver Phillips (ecologist) |last3=Baker |first3=T. R. |last4=Lloyd |first4=J. |last5=Malhi |first5=Y. |last6=Almeida |first6=S. |last7=Higuchi |first7=N. |last8=Laurance |first8=W. F. |last9=Neill |first9=D. A. |last10=Silva |first10=J. N. M. |last11=Terborgh |first11=J. |last12=Torres Lezama |first12=A. |last13=Vásquez Martinez |first13=R. |last14=Brown |first14=S. |last15=Chave |first15=J. |last16=Kuebler |first16=C. |last17=Núñez Vargas |first17=P. |last18=Vinceti |first18=B. |title=Concerted changes in tropical forest structure and dynamics: evidence from 50 South American long-term plots |journal=Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences |date=29 March 2004 |volume=359 |issue=1443 |pages=421–436 |doi=10.1098/rstb.2003.1431 |pmid=15212094 |pmc=1693337 }} Human-induced [[deforestation]] plays a significant role in causing rainforests to release carbon dioxide,{{cite journal |last1=Malhi |first1=Yadvinder |last2=Grace |first2=John |title=Tropical forests and atmospheric carbon dioxide |journal=Trends in Ecology & Evolution |date=August 2000 |volume=15 |issue=8 |pages=332–337 |doi=10.1016/s0169-5347(00)01906-6 |pmid=10884705 }}{{cite book |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567066.003.0002 |chapter=Twenty-first century atmospheric change and deforestation: Potential impacts on tropical forests |title=Tropical Forests and Global Atmospheric Change |year=2005 |last1=Cramer |first1=Wolfgang |last2=Bondeau |first2=Alberte |last3=Schaphoff |first3=Sibyll |last4=Lucht |first4=Wolfgang |last5=Smith |first5=Ben |last6=Sitch |first6=Stephen |pages=17–30 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-856706-6 }}{{cite journal |last1=Baccini |first1=A. |last2=Walker |first2=W. |last3=Carvalho |first3=L. |last4=Farina |first4=M. |last5=Sulla-Menashe |first5=D. |last6=Houghton |first6=R. A. |title=Tropical forests are a net carbon source based on aboveground measurements of gain and loss |journal=Science |date=13 October 2017 |volume=358 |issue=6360 |pages=230–234 |doi=10.1126/science.aam5962 |pmid=28971966 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2017Sci...358..230B }} as do other factors, whether human-induced or natural, which result in tree death, such as burning and drought.{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/06/1078464675256.html?from=storyrhs | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Drought may turn forests into carbon producers | date=2004-03-06}} Some climate models operating with interactive vegetation predict a large loss of Amazonian rainforest around 2050 due to [[drought]], [[forest dieback]] and the subsequent release of more carbon dioxide.{{cite journal |last1=Cox |first1=P. M. |last2=Betts |first2=R. A. |last3=Collins |first3=M. |last4=Harris |first4=P. P. |last5=Huntingford |first5=C. |last6=Jones |first6=C. D. |title=Amazonian forest dieback under climate-carbon cycle projections for the 21st century |journal=Theoretical and Applied Climatology |date=June 2004 |volume=78 |issue=1–3 |page=137 |doi=10.1007/s00704-004-0049-4 |bibcode=2004ThApC..78..137C |s2cid=5122043 }} [104] => [105] => ==Human uses== [106] => [[File:Campo12Foto 2.JPG|thumb|right|Aerial view of the [[Amazon rainforest]], taken from a plane.]] [107] => {{further|Tropical rainforest#Human dimensions}} [108] => Tropical rainforests provide [[timber]] as well as animal products such as meat and hides. Rainforests also have value as [[tourism]] destinations and for the [[ecosystem services]] provided. Many foods originally came from tropical forests, and are still mostly grown on [[plantation]]s in regions that were formerly primary forest.Myers, N. (1985). ''The primary source''. [[W. W. Norton & Company]], New York, pp. 189–193. Also, plant-derived medicines are commonly used for fever, fungal infections, burns, gastrointestinal problems, pain, respiratory problems, and wound treatment.{{cite web|url=http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fieldcourses03/PapersCostaRicaArticles/FinalPaper.TheMedicinalVa.html |title=Final Paper: The Medicinal Value of the Rainforest May 15, 2003. Amanda Haidet May 2003 |publisher=Jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu |access-date=2012-08-26}} At the same time, rainforests are usually not used [[sustainably]] by non-native peoples but are being [[Exploitation of natural resources|exploited]] or removed for [[agricultural expansion|agricultural purposes]]. [109] => [110] => ===Native people=== [111] => On January 18, 2007, [[Fundação Nacional do Índio|FUNAI]] reported also that it had confirmed the presence of 67 different [[uncontacted peoples|uncontacted tribes]] in Brazil, up from 40 in 2005. With this addition, [[Brazil]] has now overtaken the island of [[New Guinea]] as the country having the largest number of uncontacted tribes.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN17285256 |title=Brazil sees traces of more isolated Amazon tribes |publisher=Reuters.com |date=2007-01-17 |access-date=2012-08-26}} The province of Irian Jaya or [[West Papua (Indonesian province)|West Papua]] in the island of New Guinea is home to an estimated 44 uncontacted tribal groups.{{cite web|url=http://www.survival-international.org/news.php?id=2191|date=2007-01-25|title=BBC: First contact with isolated tribes?|url-status=dead|website=SurvivalInternational.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206061137/http://survival-international.org/news.php?id=2191|archive-date=2008-02-06|access-date=2020-05-13}} The tribes are in danger because of the deforestation, especially in Brazil. [112] => [113] => Central African rainforest is home of the [[Mbuti]] [[pygmies]], one of the hunter-gatherer peoples living in equatorial rainforests characterised by their short height (below one and a half metres, or 59 inches, on average). They were the subject of a study by [[Colin Turnbull]], ''The Forest People'', in 1962.[http://library.thinkquest.org/26252/explore/15.htm The Tribal Peoples] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020212056/http://library.thinkquest.org/26252/explore/15.htm |date=2012-10-20 }}, [[ThinkQuest]] Pygmies who live in Southeast Asia are, amongst others, referred to as "[[Negrito]]". [114] => There are many tribes in the rainforests of the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Sarawak is part of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Some of the other tribes in Sarawak are: the Kayan, Kenyah, Kejaman, Kelabit, Punan Bah, Tanjong, Sekapan, and the Lahanan. Collectively, they are referred to as Dayaks or Orangulu which means "people of the interior".{{cite web |title=Indigenous People of the Rainforest |url=https://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/background/people.htm |website=Rainforest Information Centre Educational Supplement |access-date=11 April 2019}} [115] => [116] => About half of Sarawak's 1.5 million people are Dayaks. Most Dayaks, it is believed by anthropologists, came originally from the South-East Asian mainland. Their mythologies support this. [117] => [118] => ==Deforestation== [119] => {{further|Deforestation in Southeast Asia|Deforestation in Madagascar|Deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest}} [120] => [[File:Satellite image of 2015 Southeast Asian haze - 20150924.jpg|thumb|Satellite photograph of the [[2015 Southeast Asian haze|haze]] above [[Borneo]] and [[Sumatra]], 24 September 2015]] [121] => [[Tropical rainforest|Tropical]] and [[temperate rainforest]]s have been subjected to heavy [[logging|legal]] and [[illegal logging]] for their valuable [[Tropical timber|hardwood]]s and [[agricultural expansion|agricultural]] clearance ([[slash-and-burn]], [[clearcutting]]) throughout the 20th century and the area covered by rainforests around the world is shrinking.[https://web.archive.org/web/20081204095313/http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/entire-rainforests-set-to-disappear-in-next-decade-585840.html Entire rainforests set to disappear in next decade], [[The Independent]] 5 July 2003 Biologists have estimated that large numbers of species are being driven to [[extinction]] (possibly more than 50,000 a year; at that rate, says [[E. O. Wilson]] of [[Harvard University]], a quarter or more of all species on Earth could be exterminated within 50 years){{cite news |last1=Stevens |first1=William K. |title=Talks Seek to Prevent Huge Loss of Species |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/03/news/talks-seek-to-prevent-huge-loss-of-species.html |work=The New York Times |date=3 March 1992 }} due to the removal of habitat with destruction of the rainforests. [122] => [123] => Another factor causing the loss of rainforest is expanding [[urban area]]s. [[Littoral zone|Littoral]] rainforest growing along [[coast]]al areas of eastern [[Australia]] is now rare due to [[ribbon development]] to accommodate the demand for [[seachange (demography)|seachange]] lifestyles.{{cite web|url=http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/environment/plants__and__animals/threatened_species/endangered_ecological_communities/littoral_rainforest |title=Littoral Rainforest-Why is it threatened? |publisher=Pittwater.nsw.gov.au |date=2012-08-09 |access-date=2012-08-26}} [124] => [125] => Forests are being destroyed at a rapid pace.{{Cite journal |last1=Feng |first1=Yu |last2=Zeng |first2=Zhenzhong |last3=Searchinger |first3=Timothy D. |last4=Ziegler |first4=Alan D. |last5=Wu |first5=Jie |last6=Wang |first6=Dashan |last7=He |first7=Xinyue |last8=Elsen |first8=Paul R. |last9=Ciais |first9=Philippe |last10=Xu |first10=Rongrong |last11=Guo |first11=Zhilin |date=2022-02-28 |title=Doubling of annual forest carbon loss over the tropics during the early twenty-first century |journal=Nature Sustainability |volume=5 |issue=5 |language=en |pages=444–451 |doi=10.1038/s41893-022-00854-3 |s2cid=247160560 |issn=2398-9629|doi-access=free |bibcode=2022NatSu...5..444F |hdl=2346/92751 |hdl-access=free }}[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,430401,00.html Brazil: Amazon Forest Destruction Rate Has Tripled], [[Fox News Channel|FoxNews.com]], September 29, 2008{{cite web |url=http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0602-png.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608214139/http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0602-png.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-06-08 |title=Papua New Guinea's rainforests disappearing faster than thought |publisher=News.mongabay.com |access-date=2012-08-26 }} Almost 90% of [[West Africa]]'s rainforest has been destroyed.{{cite web|url=http://www.csupomona.edu/~admckettrick/projects/ag101_project/html/size.html |title=Rainforests & Agriculture |publisher=Csupomona.edu |access-date=2012-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930064512/http://www.csupomona.edu/~admckettrick/projects/ag101_project/html/size.html |archive-date=2012-09-30 }} Since the arrival of humans, [[Madagascar]] has lost two thirds of its original rainforest.{{cite web|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg12617173.000-science-satellite-monitors-madagascars-shrinkingrainforest-.html |title=Science: Satellite monitors Madagascar's shrinking rainforest, 19 May 1990, New Scientist |publisher=Newscientist.com |date=1990-05-19 |access-date=2012-08-26}} At present rates, tropical rainforests in [[Indonesia]] would be logged out in 10 years and [[Papua New Guinea]] in 13 to 16 years.[http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=5728 China is black hole of Asia's deforestation], AsiaNews.it, 24 March 2008 According to [[Rettet den Regenwald|Rainforest Rescue]], an important reason for the increasing [[deforestation]] rate, especially in Indonesia, is the expansion of [[oil palm]] plantations to meet growing demand for cheap vegetable fats and [[biofuel]]s. In Indonesia, [[palm oil]] is already cultivated on nine million hectares and, together with [[Malaysia]], the island nation produces about 85 percent of the world's palm oil.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rainforest-rescue.org/topics/palm-oil|title=Palm oil – deforestation for everyday products - Rainforest Rescue|website=www.rainforest-rescue.org}}{{unreliable source?|date=November 2012}} [126] => [127] => Several countries,[https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/environment/2008-01-24-brazil-amazon_N.htm Amazon deforestation rises sharply in 2007], [[Usatoday.com]], January 24, 2008 notably [[Brazil]], have declared their deforestation a national emergency.{{cite news | first=John | last=Vidal | title=Rainforest loss shocks Brazil | newspaper=[[guardian.co.uk]] | date=20 May 2005 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/may/20/brazil.environment | access-date=7 July 2010 | location=London}} Amazon deforestation jumped by 69% in 2008 compared to 2007's twelve [128] => months, according to official government data.{{cite news |title=Brazil admits Amazon deforestation on the rise |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna26472726 |work=NBC News |agency=The Associated Press |date=30 August 2008 }} [129] => [130] => However, a January 30, 2009 ''[[New York Times]]'' article stated, "By one estimate, for every [[acre]] of rainforest cut down each year, more than 50 acres of new forest are growing in the tropics." The new forest includes secondary forest on former farmland and so-called [[degraded forest]].{{cite news |last1=Rosenthal |first1=Elisabeth |title=New Jungles Prompt a Debate on Rain Forests |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/science/earth/30forest.html |work=The New York Times |date=30 January 2009 }} [131] => [132] => ==See also== [133] => {{Portal|Environment|Ecology}} [134] => {{Div col}} [135] => * [[Cloud forest]] [136] => * [[Ecology]] [137] => * [[Inland rainforest]] [138] => * [[Intact forest landscape]] [139] => * [[Jungle]] [140] => * [[Stratification (vegetation)]] [141] => {{Div col end}} [142] => [143] => ==References== [144] => {{Reflist}} [145] => [146] => ==Further reading== [147] => [[File:Revelstoke from Mount Revelstoke.jpg|thumb|View of the temperate rain forest in [[Mount Revelstoke National Park]], British Columbia, [[Canada]]]] [148] => * Butler, R. A. (2005) ''A Place Out of Time: Tropical Rainforests and the Perils They Face''. Published online: [http://rainforests.mongabay.com Rainforests.mongabay.com] [149] => * Richards, P. W. (1996). ''The tropical rain forest''. 2nd ed. [[Cambridge University Press]] {{ISBN|0-521-42194-2}} [150] => * Whitmore, T. C. (1998) ''An introduction to tropical rain forests''. 2nd ed. [[Oxford University Press]]. {{ISBN|0-19-850147-1}} [151] => {{-}} [152] => [153] => ==External links== [154] => {{Commons}} [155] => {{Wiktionary}} [156] => {{Div col}} [157] => * [http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/rainforest/Animals.shtml Animals in a rainforest] [158] => * [http://www.ran.org Rainforest Action Network] [159] => * [http://www.eia-international.org/campaigns/forests/ EIA forest reports]: Investigations into illegal logging. [160] => * [https://web.archive.org/web/20160226181045/http://eia-global.org/forests_for_the_world/ EIA in the USA] Reports and info. [161] => * [https://web.archive.org/web/20101106114435/http://www.rainforestcoalition.org/eng/ The Coalition for Rainforest Nations] [162] => * [https://www.un.org/esa/forests United Nations Forum on Forests] [163] => * [https://web.archive.org/web/20151218031752/http://www.davekimble.org.au/rainforest/catalog.htm Dave Kimble's Rainforest Photo Catalog (Wet Tropics, Australia)] [164] => * [http://wikis.wheatonma.edu/rainforest Rainforest Plants] [165] => * [http://kids.mongabay.com/ Tropical rainforest for children] [166] => * [http://www.srl.caltech.edu/personnel/krubal/rainforest/Edit560s6/www/what.html What is a rainforest] [167] => * [https://web.archive.org/web/20100115134618/http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/rainforest-profile National Geographic: Rain forest] [168] => * [http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/rainforest.htm Tropical rainforests] [169] => {{Div col end}} [170] => {{Forestry}} [171] => [172] => {{Authority control}} [173] => [174] => [[Category:Rainforests| ]] [175] => [[Category:Biodiversity]] [176] => [[Category:Forest ecology]] [] => )
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Rainforest

A rainforest is a dense forest characterized by high levels of rainfall, diverse plant and animal life, and complex ecological systems. These forests are typically found in tropical regions, although there are also a few temperate rainforests.

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These forests are typically found in tropical regions, although there are also a few temperate rainforests. Rainforests are known for their lush vegetation and important role in global environmental processes. The Wikipedia page on rainforests provides detailed information about the different types of rainforests, their distribution, characteristics, and ecological significance. It discusses the structural layers of rainforests, such as the emergent layer, canopy, understory, and forest floor, and explains the unique adaptations of plants and animals to these environments. The page also covers the invaluable ecosystem services provided by rainforests, including carbon sequestration, regulation of water cycles, and maintenance of biodiversity. It delves into the threats facing rainforests such as deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change, and the impact these have on indigenous communities and global climate patterns. Furthermore, the page explores efforts to conserve and protect rainforests, including the establishment of national parks and protected areas, sustainable forestry practices, and the involvement of local communities in conservation initiatives. It provides examples of notable rainforests around the world, such as the Amazon Rainforest, Congo Rainforest, and Daintree Rainforest. Overall, the Wikipedia page on rainforests offers a comprehensive overview of these extraordinary ecosystems, serving as a valuable reference for anyone interested in learning more about their importance, diversity, and conservation.

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