What Does
Rainforest Mean?
A rainforest is a forest environment that receives 98-177” of rainfall per year. Rainforests occur in tropical and temperate areas and cover approximately 6% of the earth’s surface. They are characterized by a high level of biodiversity with estimates of their contribution to the world’s species composition ranging from 40 – 75%.
Safeopedia Explains Rainforest
Rainforests are valued for their rich species composition as well as their role in carbon sequestration, oxygen production and climate regulation. Many rainforests have been cleared to make way for agricultural activities, and these ecosystems are seen as being under threat. It is believed that thousands of living species remain undiscovered and unclassified in these areas. Rainforests in North America are temperate rainforests.