Facts:

• Largest rainforest in the world
• Located in South America, spread across 9 countries

Vegetation:

• Trees have smooth bark to prevent strangler figs from growing (the strangler figs will kill the trees)
• Plants have drip tips to get rid of excess moisture, prevent fungi, bacteria from growing
• Fan-shaped leaves to capture sunlight
• Tall trees to get sunlight
• Buttress roots which project above the ground for support

Animals:

• Sloth
  → Nocturnal, moves slowly
  → Algae grows on sloth for camouflage
  → Curved feet allows them to grip branches
• Jaguar
  → Excellent swimmer
  → Fur helps camouflage
  → Large claws to climb trees
• Spider monkeys
  → Strong prehensile tail to hold on to trees
  → Highly developed larynx to communicate, warn others of danger

Human impact: Deforestation

• Mostly for cattle ranching, housing, logging
• Affects biodiversity
• Reduces carbon dioxide taken in by trees
• Increased greenhouse gas effect

Last updated: Apr 2025