The Amazon River is the fuel source for the 2,100,000 square mile
Amazon rainforest . Spanning 9 countries in northern South
America, this rainforest is so rich in plant life it produces approximately 20% of the worlds oxygen. Boasting the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon includes various ecosystems from swamps to savannas resulting in this particular biome housing the largest collection of plant and animal species in the world. Fascinating creatures such as jaguars, anacondas and even electric eel can be found along with incredible plant species such as bromeliads, epiphytes (air plants) and even carnivorous plants like the Venus fly trap. These are just a few of thousands of plant and mammal species living harmoniously with roughly 2.5 million species of insects! High temperatures (an annual average of 80 degrees) and constant rain keep the climate fairly consistent year round which helps to support the Amazon’s appeal for biodiversity.
Temperature- The average temperature of the rainforest is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and when coupled with 90% humidity produces a heat index of 86. The heat helps many of the indigenous plant animal species like the Howler monkey, aka Alouatta, who’s primary diet consists of vegetation. This type of diet slows their metabolism so much that this species has to utilize the harsh sunlight just to speed it up after cooler evenings.
Many of the plants and animals push upward to the canopy layer and beyond competing for shares of sunlight in the dense environment.
Rainfall- The Amazon produces 120 inches of rain annually because of its placement in the intertropical convergence zone. This is where most rainforests thrive on Earth due to solar heat creating a convection zone that produces rainstorms as the zone dumps its moisture back to the ground. Many of
