Wet equatorial forests

Wet equatorial forests are often called the lungs of the whole planet, and there is a fair amount of truth in this. A huge number of green plants due to the process of photosynthesis every minute convert carbon dioxide to the necessary oxygen for all living things. What explains the riot of vegetation observed in these places?

One of the reasons is a large annual amount of precipitation (more than 2000 mm) and a favorable temperature regime - from +25 to +28 degrees Celsius. Although in summer, in many countries the thermometer column often rises above 30 degrees, due to a high humidity of +25 in equatorial forests, it is subjectively perceived as extremely uncomfortable and hot weather.

Once upon a time, the moist equatorial forests confronted the botanists with a serious question: why, with such a variety of vegetation, are local soils relatively poor in humus? But the answer was found. It turned out that because of frequent rains the fertile layer can not accumulate indefinitely - it is washed off into rivers by streams of water. In addition, the plants themselves immediately absorb the remaining trace elements.

Now many environmental organizations warn: if the wet equatorial forests continue to be cut down at the same speed as now, then the next generation people may not see all the beauty of evergreen forests. Only a hundred years ago these forests occupied not less than 12% of the total area of terrestrial land, but now this figure hardly exceeds 5%. It is easy to calculate that if the same intensity is maintained, after 60-70 years instead of trees, one grass will remain on the felling. And since the amount of precipitation is determined by the evaporation of moisture from the forests, even grass can become a rarity in the event of the disappearance of rain. The climate and plants form a very complex interdependent system, so the thoughtless intervention of a person can lead to tragic consequences. More detailed information on the results of environmental organizations' research can be found on their websites or in printed publications.

The wet equatorial forests of Africa extend in the central part of the continent, as well as in the region along the equator. However, it would be a mistake to say that such forests are the prerogative of only Africans. The damp equatorial forests of South America are much more extensive. Here they occupy almost 30% of the land area.

What are the wet forests so attract scientists? The answer lies in the enormous diversity of life forms. Thus, in forests with a temperate climate in an area of one hectare, relatively few species of trees can be counted. For example, a pine forest (pine trees prevail), a birch grove, etc. Everything is completely different with respect to moist forests - more than 80 species coexist on the same area. Their life cycles are so closely intertwined that even well-deserved researchers of the rainforest recognize that until a complete understanding of all the relationships is still very far away. Of course, the diversity of plants alone is not exhausted. Such forests are home to many arthropods, reptiles and mammals. After all, the abundance of plants guarantees food for a variety of herbivores. Let's give an example: if we take the area of the equatorial forest with the side of the square of 10 square meters. Km, then it can count more than 100 species of butterflies, more than 120 species of mammals and at least 400 birds.

In the portion of air that enters our lungs with each breath, there is a part of the oxygen "born" in the equatorial "green lungs" of the planet. How to protect them from felling? Of course, simply organizing demonstrations and rallies is ineffective, but ancient wisdom claims that the long-distance road begins only with one small step. And with respect to forests: careful attitude to nature in their places of residence - this is the smallest step.