- published: 07 Aug 2013
- views: 2505680
Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750-2000 mm (68-78 inches). The monsoon trough, alternatively known as the intertropical convergence zone, plays a significant role in creating the climatic conditions necessary for the Earth's tropical rainforests.
Around 40% to 75% of all biotic species are indigenous to the rainforests. It has been estimated that there may be many millions of species of plants, insects and microorganisms still undiscovered in tropical rainforests. Tropical rainforests have been called the "jewels of the Earth" and the "world's largest pharmacy", because over one quarter of natural medicines have been discovered there. Rainforests are also responsible for 28% of the world's oxygen turnover, sometimes misnamed oxygen production, processing it through photosynthesis from carbon dioxide and consuming it through respiration.
The undergrowth in a rainforest is restricted in many areas by the poor penetration of sunlight to ground level. This makes it easy to walk through undisturbed, mature rainforest. If the leaf canopy is destroyed or thinned, the ground beneath is soon colonized by a dense, tangled growth of vines, shrubs and small trees, called a jungle. There are two types of rainforest, tropical rainforest and temperate rainforest.
[Originally by Outspoken]
I hear stories that don't appeal to me
For some reason I don't see what they see
A wasted mind is a waste of time
Where is the happiness they seem to find
Reinforced
When I see their lives
I'm reinforced
Don't believe the hype
Such a little value they place on themselves
But I respect, I respect myself
With my eyes I see through their lies
They're just afraid of getting left behind
Reinforced
When I see their lives
I'm reinforced
Don't believe the hype
Never and I said never, let your guard down