Everyday Science · 45 sec
Rainforest
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- Species concentrate
Estimates vary from 40% to 75% of all biotic species being indigenous to the rainforests.
- A closed canopy
Rainforests are forests characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire.
- A natural pharmacy
Tropical rainforests have been called the "jewels of the Earth" and the "world's largest pharmacy", because over one quarter of natural medicines have been discovered there.
Why this matters
Look for Rainforest the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Rainforest the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Rainforest?
- A natural pharmacy
- A closed canopy
- Species concentrate — correct
Estimates vary from 40% to 75% of all biotic species being indigenous to the rainforests.