What are the Top 3 Facts About Amazon Forest? We all know that Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth. It is one of the most fascinating places and covers approximately an area of 2.3 million sq. miles. The Amazon rainforest covers mostly a part of north-western Brazil which extends to Peru, Columbia and some other countries of South America as well. With its vast area, you must be knowing that it serves as a home to iconic and diverse plants and creatures.
Despite knowing so many things, you are surely missing out on certain interesting facts about the rainforest. Here is what we know!
Top 3 Facts About Amazon Forest
Here are the interesting facts about the world’s largest rainforest!
1. Lungs of the Earth- Yes or No?
The most vital thing that we need to stay alive is nothing but Oxygen. Little did you know, the Amazon rainforest is responsible for producing nearly 20% of Oxygen in the entire world. However, there have been claims that it is a bit overestimated. One of the major reasons as shared by a scientist is that there isn’t much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for the trees to photosynthesize the percentage of oxygen mentioned. Well, another claimed that the vast range of trees in the Amazon use up all the oxygen they produce through the photosynthesis process. Thus, Amazon being the ‘Lungs of the Earth’ will always be contradictory.
2. Rich & Unique Ecosystem
As we have already mentioned that the Amazon rainforest has a wide range of plants and animals. Aren’t you interested to know more specifically? It’s home to 40,000 plant species, 1300 bird species, 3000 fish species, 430 mammals and 2.5 million insects species. More precisely, animals like Jaguar, Green Anaconda, Black Caiman, Sloths, Tapir, Golden Lion Tamarin, Squirrel Monkeys, Giant Anteater, etc are found there. If you ever visit, you will surely find these creatures lurking on the forest floor or moving from one tree to the other.
3. Deforestation
As per the records of the last few years, the Amazon forest faced a 20% cut down of its trees. It is estimated that if things continue like this at this rate, then there won’t be much left in the next few years. We may face the possibility of losing the forest. It is often assigned to cattle ranching in Brazil, which comprises 67% of the forest. Thus, it is very much important to take necessary actions to preserve this. Nothing much but planting more trees (afforestating) is the only way!
