Question

Describe the natural vegetation and wildlife of the tropical rainforests.

Answer 1

Tropical rainforests are most luxuriant and rich in terms of wildlife and vegetation. These forests are also known as Selvas and are found in the Equatorial belt, that is, in the Amazon and the Orinoco river basin of South America, in the Zaire basin of Africa and in other countries like Indonesia, New Guinea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines.

The richness of natural vegetation in these evergreen forests is due to the persistent hot and wet climate throughout the year. The trees are tall, broad-leafed and have thick canopy at the top that prevents sunrays from reaching the surface of the ground. Therefore, the interiors are dark and damp, providing a suitable environment for the growth of mosses and ferns along with creepers and climbers like lianas. A variety of hardwood trees are found here such as mahogany, rosewood, ebony, rubber and cinchona. The trees mostly grow in cluster, thereby, making commercial activity very difficult.

These tropical rainforests are also the home of a variety of animals that thrive upon its immense vegetation. Most important tree-dwelling species found here are monkeys, apes, bats, sloths, tree lizards and tree iguanas. Some carnivorous animals are also found here, such as pumas and jaguars. Hippopotamuses and reptiles like crocodiles, alligators, turtles and big snakes also dwell in the swampy regions of these rainforests.