Biology (Holt)

Tropical Rain ForestsTropical Rain Forests

During their travels, early
European visitors were
fascinated by the variety
and number of tropical rain-forest plants and
animals so different from those they knew at
home. Discover how early scientists named
and classified living things.

Today’s explorers are faced with

the challenge of classifying living

things in lesser-known areas, such

as tropical rain forests, that have not

yet been studied by scientists. What

organisms are found in tropical rain

forests, and what is the impact of

human activity on these species?

To preserve species, new ways of pro-

tecting tropical habitats are being

explored. For example, modern coffee-

growing techniques eliminate native species as fields

are planted solely with coffee, a major

source of revenue for many tropical coun-

tries. But shade coffee plantations grow

coffee in the midst of the forest canopy,

thus preserving habitat for tropical species.

Coffee beans

Rain-forest researcher at Madre de Dios, Peru

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http://www.scilinks.org

Topic: Rain Forests

Keyword: HX4155

Exploring the

Brazilian

jungle in 1820