Tropical Rainforests

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to tropical rainforests, including their structure, biodiversity, indigenous populations, and conservation considerations.

Rainforest Biome

A warm biome characterized by high rainfall (50-260 inches annually), located near the equator and home to a vast array of plant and animal species.

Canopy

The upper layer of trees in a rainforest, typically ranging from 60 to 130 feet high, where most animals live due to the availability of light.

Forest Floor

The lowest layer of the rainforest, which is completely shaded and has poor nutrient soil, where decomposition occurs quickly.

Emergent Layer

The highest layer of the rainforest, where trees can reach heights above the canopy, offering habitats for various bird and insect species.

Understory

The layer of the rainforest below the canopy made up of smaller trees, shrubs and ferns, characterized by lower light availability.

Deforestation

The process of clearing forest land for other uses, which significantly impacts biodiversity and carbon storage.

Indigenous People

Native populations who traditionally inhabit rainforest regions, often with a deep connection to the land and practices of conservation.

Palm Oil

An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms, commonly found in food products and associated with significant deforestation.

Amazon Rainforest

The largest rainforest in the world, located primarily in Brazil, known for its incredible biodiversity.

Congo Rainforest

The second largest rainforest in the world, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, supporting diverse wildlife.

Rainforest Rivers

Major rivers such as the Amazon and Congo that are crucial for the rainforest ecosystem, influenced by seasonal flooding.

Quinine

A medication derived from the bark of the Cinchona tree, used to treat malaria.

Mekong River

A major river in Southeast Asia that flows through several countries and supports diverse habitats.

Malaria

A disease caused by a parasite transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.

Leishmaniasis

A disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies.

Yellow Fever

A viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, for which a vaccine is available.

Amazon Pink River Dolphin

A freshwater dolphin species native to the Amazon River and its tributaries.

Capybara

The world's largest rodent, native to South America and found in and around the Amazon rainforest.

Jaguars

A species of large feline native to the Americas, known for its powerful build and solitary nature.

Tamarins

Small monkeys commonly found in the rainforest, known for their social behavior and small size.

Macaw

A large, colorful parrot native to Central and South America, known for its intelligence and vocal abilities.

Harpy Eagle

One of the largest and most powerful eagles, found in tropical rainforests.

Dengue Fever

A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by severe headache and joint pain, also known as 'breakbone fever'.

Deforestation Rate

The measure of forest area being cleared, often reported in hectares per year.

Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources to prevent exploitation and loss of biodiversity.

Cinchona Tree

A tree native to South America known for its medicinal bark, which is the source of quinine.

Curare Lianas

Vines from which an anesthetic is derived, traditionally used by indigenous people for hunting.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Habitat Destruction

The process in which natural habitat is rendered incapable of supporting its native species.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations.

Rainforest Layers

The distinct vertical zones of a rainforest, each with unique characteristics and inhabitants.

Tropical Climate

A climate characterized by high temperatures year-round and significant annual rainfall.

Nitrogen Cycle

The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, essential for plant growth.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including food, clean water, and disease regulation.

Soil Decomposition

The process through which organic material is broken down, returning nutrients to the soil.

Illegal Logging

The act of cutting down trees without permission or in violation of laws, contributing to deforestation.

Biodiversity Hotspot

A biogeographic region with a significant amount of biodiversity that is threatened by human habitation.

Carbon Sink

Natural systems that absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release, crucial for climate regulation.

Cattle Pasture

Land used for grazing livestock, often resulting in deforestation when rainforests are cleared.

Consumer Awareness

The understanding and action of consumers about the social and environmental impacts of their purchases.

Ecology

The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems and the resources it provides.

Hydroelectric Projects

Dams and other infrastructures designed to generate electricity from flowing water, often impacting local ecosystems.