The Wonderful Rainforest Biome

By Alexandra, Michael, Breanna, ReillyM, ReillyA

Table Of Contents

Map of Tropical Rainforests page 1

Introduction page 3

Human Influences page 4

Rainforest Animals page 5

Rainforest Plants page7

Map of the Tropical Rainforests

Human Influences The good things for humans are that many plants and organisms are found in the tropics are useable medicines that we can benefit from. The negatives are that extreme deforestation (the clearing of forests) has lead to the loss of habitats of many animals, plants species, and people. We will eventually cause the extinction of over half of the world species in a mere 25 years. If the rainforest disappears many valuables materials also disappear. The homes of thousands of plants, animals, and people are lost. Therefore, people have to start working together to save the rainforest, by protecting what remains and by planting new trees. Today very few forest people live in traditional ways. Most have been displaced by outside settlers or forced to give up their lifestyles by governments. The Amazon supports the native, or indigenous, populations although these people too have been impacted by the modern world. 50,000,000 tribal people live in the world’s rainforest. These people depend on the forest for food and shelter. As we cut more and more trees, we are also killing people, animals, and plants. Many native tribes have been exterminated already because their governments failed to protect them from logging companies, the mining companies, and the slash and burn farmers. We should do better at keeping are forest people safe and the forest.

Rainforest Animals The Golden Lion Tamarin I did some research on the Golden Lion Tamarin. Did you know that an adult is only ½ of a pound? It is 8 to 14 inches and is gold, red, yellow, and orange. It lives in the Amazon Forest. The Amazon Forest is in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It also lives in swamp forests. It always gives birth to twins or triplets. It eats fruits, insects, and small lizards. Its predators are hawks and other raptors, cats, and large snakes. It has special adaptations that help it live. It has long, narrow hands to find food in thin crevices. Another adaptation is their call. They have an ear-piercing call to warn fellow tamarin if predators are near. Also, they have long tails to balance on high treetops.

A baby tamarin with its mother

Bengal Tiger

I also did research on the Bengal Tiger. I learned that it is the second biggest tiger in the world. The Siberian Tiger is the first biggest tiger in the world. The Bengal Tiger weighs up to 575 pounds. It is broad with slender legs that helps it run really fast and kill its prey. It lives in India, China, Siberia, and Indonesia. It is very sneaky and stealthy so it can hunt or get away quickly without being seen. It is a carnivore and eats boars, wild oxen, monkeys, and a lot of other animals. The cubs start hunting at 18 months old. The tiger has special features to help them survive. They have black stripes to help them blend in with the tall brush and trees. They also have sharp claws and fangs to help them protect themselves and their offspring.

Bengal Bamboo Bengal bamboo can grow up to 80 feet high. It is the shape of a cylinder and it is the color green. Rainforest ants make small holes in the bamboo to live in the bamboo. Bamboo can grow any time of the year. They like temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. They can thrive in areas with very little sunlight when they are young. You can find them in China and in Japan. The Bengal bamboo grows extremely fast which is helpful due to the fact that as the plant grows older it needs more and more sunlight. Growing tall fast allows it to reach more sunlight at a rapid pace.

Kapok Tree I researched the Kapok tree. For the description, it’s very tall, lots of colors, an umbrella shape and can grow up to 150 ft. tall. Now for its role in the biome. It can grow very good fruits for animals to eat. Also its leaves can be used for great hiding spot like camouflage. Another way is that it has good homes for animals including in the trunk of the tree. Now it’s time to learn about growing seasons. It can grow in summer, spring, and sometimes winter if its warm enough. Other facts about the seasons are that it sheds in dry seasons and it can grow fruits in spring such as jumbo. Now for the last category, Adaptions. The Kapok tree has a buttressed root system, which helps find moisture and support for the mature tree. Broken or cut off limb stubs heal over, a good adaption against infection. Lastly, it grows special fruits for bugs that eat wood to eat the fruit. That’s all the things I know about the Kapok tree.