Tropical Rainforest Research Paper

Words: 985
Pages: 4

It is a well-known fact that Tropical rainforests are interestingly diverse, filled with many different species of not only plants but animals as well. From the smallest birds to the largest primates, the Tropical rainforest is full of it. In fact, it has the more different kinds of species than in anywhere else. Tropical rainforests are incredibly rich ecosystems that play a fundamental role in the basic functioning of the planet. They are home to about 50 percent of the world's terrestrial species, making them “an extensive library of biological and genetic resources (Butler).” In addition, rainforests help maintain the climate by regulating atmospheric gases and stabilizing rainfall, protect against desertification, and provide numerous …show more content…
An abundance of plants actually start out as epiphytes but continue to grow as full-sized trees if they are successful (“Rainforest”). One of the most important, as well as the most interesting plant species of the Tropical rainforest ecosystem is the strangler fig. What makes them so interesting is the way they grow. Strangler figs start out as epiphytes when they find a place high in the canopy of a tall tree as they are adapted to this (“Rainforest”). It then sends down roots onto the ground as they become shrubs, although it still uses the host tree for physical support. Eventually, as it shoots down more roots, it starts to grow around the host tree, killing it. The strangler fig then takes over their place (“Rainforest”).
Not only does the Tropical rainforest have fascinating plants, but animals as well. It is home to more animal species than anywhere else in the world. It is likely that more than 90% of the Earth’s species live in this ecosystem and most of them are native to this region (“Endemic”). Some of the native species that really distinguish the Tropical rainforest from anywhere else are the primates, and to be more specific, the