Types of Forests: Tropical
Photo by David Clode
Tropical rainforests are some of the most biologically diverse and important ecosystems on the planet. These forests are found near the equator in regions such as South America, Southeast Asia, and Central Africa, where they experience warm, humid conditions and high rainfall throughout the year. One of the best-known tropical rainforests is the Amazon Rainforest, located in South America, which spans across countries like Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. On the other hand, a lesser-known rainforest is the Daintree Rainforest in northern Australia, known for its ancient lineage, with some parts dating back over 100 million years.
These forests are home to a staggering variety of life. Some of the plants that thrive here include Hevea brasiliensis (the rubber tree) and Ceiba pentandra (kapok tree), both adapted to the warm, moist environment. The diversity of animal life is equally impressive. For example, jaguar prowls the forests of the Amazon, while spectacled flying foxes live in Australia’s Daintree. These forests are also home to many fungi, like Cordyceps, a parasitic fungus known for infecting insects and manipulating their behavior. Thankfully, most fungi found in rainforests are not as terrifying!
Tropical rainforests grow in areas where the temperature averages between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with more than 2000 mm (80 inches) of rain per year. These forests cover about 6% of the Earth's surface today, a significant reduction from the 14% they once covered. While large areas have been lost, reforestation and restoration efforts could help reclaim some of these vital ecosystems.
Do you know the difference between a tropical forest and a jungle? Jungles can grow in or around any kind of forest–but usually in tropical areas. Jungles are overgrown and dense, typically due to openings in the canopy that let in more sunlight, speeding up heavy plant growth.
Tropical forests (and the jungles they contain) grow quickly, and can store large amounts of carbon. They also contribute to the water cycle, as their dense plant life releases moisture into the atmosphere, influencing global weather patterns. While much has been lost, scientists estimate that with proper conservation and reforestation efforts, large portions of these forests could be restored – supporting the vast biodiversity and richness of our planet.
