Tropical rainforests are located in warm, tropical regions that receive high amounts of rainfall each year. They are characterized by dense vegetation and nutrient-poor soil. Tropical rainforests differ from temperate rainforests in that they have a warmer climate and receive much greater rainfall. Remaining tropical rainforests are found in dark green areas on maps and are structured into several layers from tall canopy trees to lower shrubs. Tropical rainforests are important because they contain a high percentage of the world's biodiversity and produce a large amount of the earth's oxygen. However, they are being threatened by activities like slash-and-burn agriculture which leads to deforestation.

1. Tropical Rainforest: An Introduction

2. Description of a rainforest Densely wooded Location: Warm, tropical and wet climate Soil: Nutrient Poor-hard to grow crops Rainfall: Average 80 inches/year (sometimes as high as 400 inches/yr)

3. Difference between tropical rain forest & temperate rain forest 1. Tropical rainforest: Located in the tropics; very warm climate and LOTS of rain 2. Temperate rainforest: More seasonal, less rain

4. Remaining rainforests Dark Green Areas= only remaining rainforest left

5. Layers of the tropical rainforest * Tall Trees- 150ft tall; branches at the highest level; act like an umbrella * VERY THICK! Less than 2% of sunlight reaches the next layer; animals live here * Trees grow to about 12ft. Home of leopards, snakes, and insects Shrub layer * Grow shorter than 12 ft * No growth, no sunlight & 100% humidity

6. The Soil: Few nutrients, decomposition occurs quickly. The nutrients are absorbed by the trees Buttress Root System: Above ground or very shallow root system

7. Why is the rainforest so important? Contains 90% of all living “things” 70% of all plants have cancer fighting properties Large amount of oxygen produced in the rainforest

8. How & why the rainforests are being destroyed Slash and Burn: Cutting down the forest for farms, roads, & other development. The trees are then burned

9. Bio Diversity: Many types of animals, insects, & plant life Deforestation: Cutting down large areas of forest