Amazon Rainforest Overview

Introduction

• Home to exotic plants and animals.
• Rainforests are one of Earth’s major habitats.
• Tropical rainforests found near the equator: Central/South America, Africa, Asia, Australia.

Historical Context

• Millions of years ago, rainforests covered much of Earth, including habitats of dinosaurs.
• Currently, rainforests cover 7% of the Earth’s surface but house half of the world’s plant and animal species.

Amazon Rainforest Details

• Location: South American rainforest in the Amazon basin.
• Size: 2.5 million square miles, slightly smaller than the 48 contiguous US states.
• Biodiversity:
  • 1,600 species of birds
  • 230 species of snakes
  • 600 species of mammals
  • 40 species of turtles
  • 70,000 species of insects
  • Many species are endemic.
• Amazon River: 4,000 km long, second longest river in the world.

Climate

• Average rainfall: 260 inches/year, can reach up to 400 inches.
• Average temperature: 86°F - 95°F.

Rainforest Structure

• Four main layers:
  1. Emergent Layer
     • Tallest trees, oldest (up to 165 ft).
     • Habitat for birds like the South American harpy eagle and colorful parrots (e.g., conures).
  2. Canopy Layer
     • Main layer of the rainforest, rich in biodiversity.
     • Home to 23% of rainforest animals.
     • Notable residents: sloths, emerald tree boas, various birds (hummingbirds, toucans).
  3. Understory Layer
     • Less light reaches this layer.
     • Home to smaller mammals and insects.
  4. Forest Floor
     • Dark, humid, and rich in decomposing matter.

Unique Adaptations

• Camouflage:
  • Chameleons and geckos change color for protection or hunting.
  • Tarantulas are large spiders that hunt at night.

Conclusion

• The Amazon rainforest is a vibrant ecosystem with a wealth of unique species, adaptations, and ecological interactions.