Rain Forest Ecosystems

The Importance Of Rain Forest Ecosystems

One of the most important bio-networks is the rain forest ecosystems. They are truly unique from every aspect. From the type of animals that live in them to the foliage that covers the forest floors. We have all seen the images that depict rain forests as areas that are covered with closely woven plants and 150 foot trees that soar towards the sun, thus creating magnificent canopies.

One of the first misconceptions about rain forest ecosystems is that the foliage consists of only plants that are densely packed. Tropical rain forests are also filled with an abundance of tall trees. These trees work together to form a "tropical ceiling," also know as a canopy, that covers the smaller plants from the heat and brightness of the sun. In areas where this covering occurs, the plants do not grow to a very large size. Yet in areas where the sunshine is allowed to reach the plants, there are many different types of exotic plants that grow. The forests are filled with an abundance of organisms such as herbs, trees, shrubs and other foliage. These plants, along with other factors, such as dead and decaying animals, add organic matter and alter the soil in the forest. This process increases the rate at which water is retained and infiltrated.

The tropical rain forest ecosystems are enveloped in constant moisture. The moisture is received from the constant cloud cover that is present, the amount of rainfall and the transpiration that occurs. Transpiration is actually a term for the action of water loss through leaves from the plants and trees. The trees that cover the area, or canopy trees, actually give way to about 200 gallons of water each on an annual basis. If the rain forest is large, then they can actually contribute to rain clouds forming and also produce about 75% of their own rainfall. 

There are many different types of relationships that exist within rain forest ecosystems. Whether it be the relationship between the canopy trees and the moisture in the rainforest, the insects that help with the pollination of plants or the fertilization of soil from the decomposition of plants and animals, they all work together to promote the survival of the ecosystem. Another key to survival is ecosystem management and stopping the process of directly destroying the rain forest. If we do what we can to prevent bio-networks, such as rain forests from being destroyed, then we are fighting for the protection and survival of mother earth.