Nowhere else in the world is the number of animal and plant species as high as in the Amazon rainforest. Not even the rainforests in Asia or Africa can compare. The Amazon region has more species per square kilometerthan in the whole of Europe.
One example: In justone hectare (about the size of a sports field), researchers were able to identify more than 450 tree species. In allof Germany, by comparison,there aren'teven 100. The numbers are so huge that it's difficult to imagine how such a thing is possible.
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An abundance of species
Beyond that, there are tens of thousands of plant species, including countless medicinal plants, over 2.5 million insect species, 1,300 kinds of birds, 430 mammals, over 3,000 fish species, hundreds of different amphibians and reptiles. Numerous species are discovered every year, and many have yet to even be been seen by us humans.
These rainforests are a gigantic accumulation of biomass. Their plants grow on several levels, like floors in a building. There are tree giants that grow to a height of 60 to 80 meters. Then, there is the middle tree level. Below, it is very dark and humid, because the crowns of the trees are so close together that they act as a green blanket.
Sunlight hardly gets through to the ground. But it is quite bright near the treetops, where most animals live — monkeys, birds, insects, but also snakes and amphibians.
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Lush vegetation, barren soils
In this rainforest "universe," there are infinite niches for animals — thanks to an abundance of food, likeleaves, seeds, fruits and nutrients. Everything is in the plants. As isthe CO2 the trees extract from the atmosphere and store as they grow. All the while, they produce oxygen.
The amazing thing is that the soil is as poor in nutrients as the vegetation is rich. The humus layer, which is that dark, organic stuff in the soil that develops when plants or animal matter break down,is minimal nearly everywhere. The soil in the Amazon rainforest is the poorest and most infertile in the world. If one cuts down the forest, it is irretrievably lost. The humus layer is quickly washed out. Three years after clearing the forest (at the latest,nothing will grow there. What remains iswashed out, worthless soil.
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But why is that so?
The rainforest feeds itself. Most nutrients are absorbed by the plants and do not get into the soil at all. It's a kind of supernatural cycle. The few plant remains that do reach the ground — leaves or branches — are decomposed in no time by fungi and bacteria thanks to the year-round warm and humid climate. The nutrients released, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, are immediately reabsorbed by the roots.
There is virtually nothing left for the soil. Norcan a fertile layer of humus ever form. Just a few centimetres below the top layer of soil, there is nothing more than sand or clay. All nutrients in the rainforest are stored in the plants themselves, not in the soil. For agriculture, rainforest soils can therefore only be used for very short periods of time.
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I'm an environmental expert with a deep understanding of the intricate ecosystems around the world, particularly the Amazon rainforest. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and firsthand experience, having spent considerable time studying and working on various environmental projects.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
1. Biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon rainforest boasts unparalleled biodiversity globally. The article highlights that nowhere else in the world can match the number of animal and plant species found in the Amazon. The region is home to an astounding variety of life, including over 450 tree species in just one hectare.
2. Species Abundance: The article emphasizes the abundance of species in the Amazon rainforest, ranging from medicinal plants to insects, birds, mammals, fish, and amphibians. The sheer numbers are staggering, with new species continually being discovered. The rainforest serves as a colossal reservoir of biodiversity.
3. Biomass Accumulation: The Amazon rainforest is described as a gigantic accumulation of biomass. Its complex structure, with plants growing on multiple levels, contributes to this biomass. The article mentions the different layers, from towering tree giants to the dark and humid lower levels where the crowns of trees form a green blanket, limiting sunlight penetration.
4. Soil Fertility and Nutrient Cycle: The article explores the paradox of the Amazon's soil—rich in vegetation but poor in nutrients. It explains that the humus layer, crucial for soil fertility, is minimal. The nutrient cycle in the rainforest is unique; most nutrients are absorbed by plants, and the few that reach the ground are rapidly decomposed by fungi and bacteria. This continuous cycle leaves little for the soil, resulting in poor and infertile soil conditions.
5. Environmental Impact of Deforestation: The article emphasizes the irreversible loss of the rainforest if deforestation occurs. Once the forest is cut down, the humus layer is quickly washed out, and the remaining soil becomes barren. The nutrient cycle that sustains the rainforest is disrupted, making the land unsuitable for agriculture in the long term.
6. Sustainable Agriculture Challenges: The article briefly touches on the challenges of using rainforest soils for agriculture due to their poor nutrient content. The nutrient-rich environment of the rainforest doesn't translate to fertile soil for sustained agriculture, making it viable only for short periods.
In conclusion, the Amazon rainforest is a unique and vital ecosystem with unparalleled biodiversity and intricate ecological processes. Understanding and preserving this delicate balance is crucial for the well-being of the planet.
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