Essentials of Ecology

224 CHAPTER 10 Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity: The Ecosystem Approach

72% of its original intact forest, and 98% of its remain-

ing forests will be gone by 2022.

Studies indicate that at least half of the world’s

known species of terrestrial plants and animals live in

tropical rain forests (Figure 10-14). Because of their spe-

cialized niches (Figure 7-17, p. 156, and Con-

cept 4-6A, p. 91) these species are highly vul-

nerable to extinction when their forest habitats are de-

stroyed or degraded. Tropical deforestation is the main

reason that more than 8,000 tree species—10% of the

world’s total—are threatened with extinction.

Brazil has more than 30% of the world’s remaining

tropical rain forest and an estimated 30% of the world’s

terrestrial plant and animal species (Figure 10-14, left)

Figure 10-14Species diversity: two species found in tropical forests are part of the earth’s biodiversity. On the

left is an endangered white ukari in a Brazilian tropical forest. On the right is the world’s largest flower, the flesh

flower (Rafflesia) growing in a tropical rain forest of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The flower of this leafless plant can

be as large 1 meter (3.3 feet) in diameter and weigh 7 kilograms (15 pounds). The plant gives off a smell like rot-

ting meat, presumably to attract flies and beetles that pollinate the flower. After blossoming once a year for a few

weeks, the blood red flower dissolves into a slimy black mass.

Compost/Peter Arnold, Inc Compost/Peter Arnold, Inc

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