There are two main types of rainforests: tropical and temperate. Tropical rainforests receive high amounts of rainfall per year and are located along the equator, while temperate rainforests receive moderate rainfall and can be found in various locations. The largest rainforest is the Amazon Rainforest, which spans multiple countries in South America and produces 20% of the world's oxygen. However, rainforests are being destroyed at alarming rates due to activities like logging, farming, and mining. This destruction threatens millions of species and impacts the global climate.
2. Two Types of Rainforests Tropical Located along the equator 80-400 inches of rain per year Temperature between 70-85 degrees Temperate Could be located anywhere (even Alaska) 50-140 inches of rain per year Temperature between 50-80 degrees
5. Tropical Rainforests Most of the rainforests in the world are tropical. They make up only 6% of Earth’s surface, but contain over half of Earth’s plants and animals.
6. Animals of the Amazon Rainforest A few of the animals you will find in the Amazon Rainforest are: -Toucans -Parrots -Poison Dart Frogs -Jaguars -Ocelots -Howler Monkeys -Anacondas -Electric Eels -Piranhas -Vampire Bats Watch Video!
7. Plants of the Amazon Rainforest Some plants you will find are: -Kapok Trees -Strangler Figs -Coconut Trees -Mangrove Trees -Bengal Bamboo
8. Amazon Rainforest The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world. It is located in South America along the Amazon River basin. Covers 2.5 million square miles and is part of 9 different countries.
9. Amazon Rainforest 20% of Earth’s oxygen is produced there More than 5 million species of plants, animals, and insects
12. Reasons to Save the Rainforests Millions of animals and people live there. Many products, including foods and medicines, come from the rainforests. Rainforests affect Earth’s climate. Cutting down and burning trees releases carbon dioxide, which leads to global warming.
13. References Blue Planet Biomes. (2008). Rainforests. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/rainforest.html Kids saving the rainforest: Animals they protect in the Manuel Antonio Rainforest [Video], Retrieved May 28, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com Monabay Kids. (2009). Rainforest Facts. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from http://kids.mongabay.com Nature. (2010). Rainforests. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from http://www.nature.org/rainforests/explore/facts.html World Culture Pictorial. (2010). Rainforest Images. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from http://www.worldculturepictorial.com/images/content2/amazon_rainforest_sea_of_green.jpg