Rainforest Facts for Kids

Known as the Earth's lungs, the rainforest cover has been fast diminishing over the years. Tropical and temperate rainforests are also home to some of the most exotic species of animals and plants, some of which are on their way to extinction. Rainforests have always played a very important role for mankind, although humans don't really seem to respect the gifts of Mother Nature. As children, we are taught the importance of plant and animal life, but what happens in our growing years? Somehow we forget to respect what has been bestowed upon us, naturally. The rainforest has many amazing stories in its thick green canopy. Let's try to uncover some really interesting rainforest facts for kids and know more about this enchanted place.

Facts About Rainforests

Have you ever taken a look around the neighborhood at the variety of plant species? Well, you will be surprised to know that a whopping number of exotic animal and plant species are found in the rainforests. Scientists claim that many of these species are probably yet to be discovered! From reptiles to mammals, fungi to exotic birds, the list is endless. With an approximate number of over 170,000 species of plants and an equal number of animal species and microorganisms, makes any rainforest truly a treasure we need to preserve.

Also known as the 'world's largest pharmacy', rainforests are basically of two kinds - temperate and tropical. Temperate rainforests as the name suggests, are found in the temperate regions such as Europe, North America, East Asia, New Zealand, etc. Tropical rainforests are found towards the equator. These are also found in areas of southeast Asia, Central and South America, etc.

Rainforests are extremely important for our ecosystem. They not only provide a home for many plants and animals, they also are an important source of medicines and even food. Rainforests help to stabilize the entire climate of the world. Besides, they also prevent soil erosion.

A rainforest in basically divided into 4 layers - the emergent layer, canopy layer, understory and forest floor. The canopy layer is the one that has the largest amount of trees ever! This is the place that has the most variety of plant species. Therefore, it also has a wide variety of organisms that live on these plants. An emergent layer is one that grows above the canopy. An understory layer is one that plays an important role in supporting the life of many animals and birds. The understory layer receives very little sunlight whereas the forest floor receives extremely low light. Therefore, the kind of plants and animals that thrive in each of these layers are such that they are naturally adapted to suit such surroundings! Isn't that a truly amazing fact!

Although the rainforest is home to the most number of plants and animal species, it covers only 6% of the surface of the earth! Besides, this land is also inhabited by many tribals and pygmies.

Due to deforestation, rainforests that once covered an area of 14% of the earth's surface, are being destroyed gradually. Most of the rainforests are being destroyed due to man-made activities. While trees are being chopped, it creates an imbalance in the ecosystem as every organism or plant is connected and interdependent upon each other. Species that are unable to survive are on the brink of extinction or endangered, many of which are already extinct.

Rainforests are also being cut down due to companies out to seek oil or even carry out mining activities in these areas. Such activities damage and disturb the natural surroundings.

With these rainforest facts, one can get an idea about its importance to mankind. We can only hope that everybody joins hands to protect this biological treasure on earth.