Equatorial forests are the lungs of our planet

Equatorial forests are the lungs of our planet
Equatorial forests are the lungs of our planet

Video: Equatorial forests are the lungs of our planet

Video: Equatorial forests are the lungs of our planet
Video: Congo Rainforest | The second lung of the world 2024, December
Anonim

Many travelers who have visited the impenetrable tropical forests, unanimously called them "green hell". Constant dusk, crazy humidity, impassable paths teeming with creeping reptiles and poisonous insects - all this is considered a fairly common occurrence for the equator. Without a stick, a sharp knife and a gun, it is problematic to survive here, because in this area the traveler is in danger at every turn.

Equatorial forests live their own amazing life, and many living beings are used to it. In this area, the temperature is constantly high, almost every day there is a heavy downpour. Plants and animals are located here at different levels, the number of which sometimes reaches five. At the very top there are giant trees, reaching 40 - 50 m in height. They have very strong wood and strong spreading roots that allow them to support their weight.

equatorial forests
equatorial forests

At the second level, there are 20-meter trees that form a dense crown and do not let the sun's rays into the equatorial forests. a littleplants 10 m high grow less often, and then shrubs and grasses follow. On the trunks of giants weave, making their way closer to sunlight, parasitic plants. Many creepers do not even touch the ground, but feed on aerial roots. Epiphytes include beautiful orchids that attract birds and insects with their fragrant flowers, which help them survive in these difficult conditions.

The first place in terms of species composition (about 3 thousand species) is occupied by the selva of South America, the equatorial forests of Africa are slightly behind, but not by much. This area strikes with solid greenery, there are no variegated flowers that come across at every step, only lianas, thickets of shrubs, tall grass. Even the trunks of the trees are green, either due to constant moisture or covered in mosses and parasitic creepers.

equatorial forests of africa
equatorial forests of africa

The kingdom of mushrooms, mosses, algae, huge plants with broad leaves, poisonous and not very insects - this is what a rainforest is. Rain here creates high humidity, but animals and locals are used to this climate. It is difficult for a traveler to survive in such harsh conditions even for one day without certain knowledge, therefore, when traveling to such places, it is important to take with you guides from local residents who thoroughly know the laws of gilis.

Equatorial forests are home to a large army of monkeys, elephants, wild boars, exotic birds, rhinos, tapirs, tigers, sun bears, leopards, various insects, lizards, snakes and many othersLiving creatures. Here reigns its own special world, the inhabitants of which live by their own laws.

forest rain
forest rain

Equatorial forests are also called the lungs of our planet. This is true because plants give off huge amounts of oxygen. Their destruction will lead to a significant deterioration in air quality. Many environmentalists are sounding the alarm in connection with the cutting down of trees and the transformation of the forest area into coffee, rubber or oil plantations. People were so carried away by the conquest of new lands that they completely forgot about the consequences that the destruction of the flora and fauna of our planet can lead to.

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