Endangered Rain Forests: Investigating Rain Forests in Crisis
Fact Finders ENDANGERED RAIN FORESTS INVESTIGATING RAIN FORESTS IN CRISIS by Rani lyer Content Consultant Gregory Gilbert Professor of Environmental Studies University of California Santa Cruz CAPSTONE PRESS a capstone imprint
CHAPTER 1 What Is a Rain Forest A stream flows through a rain forest in Thailand Enter into the warm and colorful tropical rain forest Different shades of green are everywhere Sounds of howling monkeys and croaking frogs come from all directions Cool rain begins to fall Rain forests are rich with life They are home to a huge number of organisms Flowers and vines grow among the trees Birds fly above Snakes slide around below Insects occupy the forest floor Every living thing has its own role in this ecosystem organism a living thing ecosystem a group of animals and plants that work together with their surroundings
Rain forests are not just beautiful and full of life They are necessary for the planet Life on Earth depends on the rain forest in many ways Today rain forests all over the world are in danger of disappearing People are cutting and burning down rain forest trees at a rapid rate These actions destroy plant and animal habitats and have an impact on the whole planet But people can stop the destruction if they are careful Protecting and saving the rain forests takes a global effort a damaged part of a rain forest in Brazil
