We see trees around us every day - we’re always told that they’re very important and good for the environment, but why is that? One tree alone might not be able to do much, but put enough trees together and you’ve got one of the most important ecosystems in the world: rainforests. Let’s take a closer look at just how important these ecosystems are.
First of all, let’s clear up some vocabulary - what’s the difference between forests, rainforests and jungles? Essentially, they are all referring to the same kind of habitat, that is, one with lots of trees. The main differences between them is to do with the amount of rainfall they receive, their vegetation density and the overall size of the area. For this article, we’ll be focusing on tropical rainforests.
Despite covering less than 6% of the Earth’s surface, tropical rainforests are easily the most biodiverse land ecosystems in the world. In fact, rainforests are estimated to house over 50% of all the known species in the world! From the tiniest ant scavenging for food on the forest floor to a harpy eagle perched on the tallest trees, everything in the rainforest exists in a fine balance of harmony. Rainforests are the oldest ecosystems in the world - some rainforests are over 70 million years old. The rainforests are also home to some of the most iconic species on the planet, such as elephants, tigers and chimpanzees, to name a few.
Like the oceans, trees also produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. They also act as “carbon sinks”, removing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Soils in temperate rainforests (a much rarer type of rainforest) in particular are very rich in carbon as the lower temperatures lead to a slower rate of decomposition of dead organisms. Trees also help further improve air quality by purifying the air of contaminants. Additionally, the rainforests are a key climate regulator, helping to maintain the balance of the carbon cycle as well as the water cycle. Working with the oceans, these two ecosystems are mainly responsible for keeping the Earth’s weather patterns under control.
Furthermore, trees and forests in general are especially important in areas which are prone to flooding. Not only do their branches intercept falling rain, their roots also absorb some of the water. These extra obstacles mean that it takes more time for rainwater to reach a water source (such as a river) from where it initially fell, making it less likely for the water source to overflow and flood. The roots also act as an anchor which stabilises the soil and reduces soil erosion which keeps the soil fertile and lowers the risk of landslides.
Unsurprisingly, the rainforests are also our main source of wood, which is used as a building material, for making furniture and making paper. In poorer areas of the world, wood is also important as a fuel source.
Rainforests also have an important role in the field of medicine. Over a quarter of all natural medicines have been discovered in rainforests - these substances are found in many medicines, some of which you can even get over-the-counter. These include anaesthetics, antibiotics and even laxatives!
Like the oceans, the rainforests are one of our best lines of defence against climate change. With all the things the rainforests provide for us every single day, the very least we can do is ensure that these incredible ecosystems are well protected.
Credits:
Image - ResearchGate
Information - NPS, National Geographic, Treehugger, Rainforest Trust
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