AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Tropical rainforests are the most biologically diverse terrestrial ecosystems in the world. The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It is home to around 40, 000 plant species, nearly 1, 300 bird species, 3, 000 types of fish, 427 species of mammals, and 2.5 million different insects.

Detailed explanation-2: -Tropical forests have the highest biodiversity and primary productivity of any of the terrestrial biomes.

Detailed explanation-3: -The canopy system characteristic of tropical rainforests further increases diversity by creating new niches in the form of new sources of food, new shelters, new hiding places, and new areas for interaction with other species. In fact, it is estimated that 70-90 percent of life in the rainforest is found in the trees.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hence tropical rain forests are the most species-rich biome on Earth. Because of a high plant diversity, tropical rain forests also contain huge collection of animals including various insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds.

Detailed explanation-5: -Scientists estimate that 60-90 percent of life in the rainforest is found in the trees, with the canopy holding the most biodiversity of species. The emergent layer is the tallest layer of the rainforest.