# data[].attributes.body
By John Rodarte, Hudson Proctor, Nik Park and Zac Chavez

# data[].attributes.body
The Tropical Rainforest is found in the locations shown in the image. This Biome is one of vast diversity ranging from reptiles, mammals, plants and micro organisms. There are two types of rainforests, tropical and temperate. Tropical rainforests are found closer to the equator and temperate rainforests are found farther north near coastal areas. The majority of common houseplants come from the rainforest. The rainforest biome remains warm all year and must stay frost-free. The average daily temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rainforests receive the most rain of all of the biomes in a year! A typical year sees 2,000 to 10,000 millimeters (79 to 394 inches) of rain per year. The tropical rainforest is a hot, moist biome where it rains all year long. It is known for its dense canopies of vegetation that form three different layers. The top layer or canopy contains giant trees that grow to heights of 75 m (about 250 ft) or more. This layer of vegetation prevents much of the sunlight from reaching the ground. Thick, woody vines are also found in the canopy. They climb trees in the canopy to reach for sunlight. The middle layer, or understory, is made up of vines, smaller trees, ferns, and palms.The bottom layer or floor of the rainforest is covered with wet leaves and leaf litter. This material decomposes rapidly in the wet, warm conditions (like a compost pile) sending nutrients back into the soil. Few plants are found on the floor of the forest due to the lack of sunlight. However, the hot, moist atmosphere and all the dead plant material create the perfect conditions in which bacteria and other microorganisms can thrive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Map of the region of Amazonia and how it has been affected.

# data[].attributes.body
Disturbances: The threats to rainforests are numerous, and all the cause of humans. With some of the main threats being mining, oil extraction, agriculture, pollution, construction, and logging as the biggest threat. This is attributed to the fact that many of the world’s natural resources are contained within the rainforests. Whether it be the trees themselves, the minerals in the ground, or even oil deep beneath the surface. Which is one of the main reasons developing countries will turn to them as a means to raise revenue, usually to pay off mounting debt. However the biggest threat would be the growing population itself. Not only does it have resources for industry but also for smaller scale population centers such as villages who use the wood to construct housing, or clear it to set up agriculture to support themselves.

Solutions: Thankfully there are some solutions that have been put forward or even established. There is replanting trees as an obvious solution. But there are others such as sustainable logging practices such as cutting down trees selectively so as to not disturb the ecosystem. Alternative fuel ideas so trees are not needed to fuel factories. Additionally there are solutions that focus on smaller communities that live near or in rainforests such as living off the forest resources such as collecting nuts and fruits to consume instead of farming cattle or agriculture. As well as restrictions on construction of roads and infrastructure that would normally result in clearing land. But in truth only time will tell if any of these solutions truly solve the problem.

# data[].attributes.body
Giant water lilies are one of the more memorable plants you will find in the Amazon Rainforest. Named after Queen Victoria, the sheer size of the Victoria Amazonica water lilies is what sets them apart. They can grow up to 10 feet (or 3 meters) in diameter and can hold up to 60 pounds of weight. Victoria Amazonica lilies grow in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Peru. Water lilies regulate nutrient levels and help preserve the clarity and purity of aquatic environments, fostering a conducive habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

# data[].attributes.headline
Life within the Tropical Rainforest Pt. 2

# data[].attributes.subject
Life within the Tropical Rainforest Pt. 2

# data[].attributes.body
Beneath the trees come small life forms that don't exist to the naked human eye. Mycorrhizae soil chemistry and the environment in general. It has a mutualistic relationship with the plant, which means it has an association between organisms of two different species in which each member benefits. The fungus has access to the carbohydrates (sugar and glucose) where as the plant benefits from the myceliums high capacity for carrying water and mineral nutrients due to its large surface area. It is actually a proven fact that plants that have mycorrhizal traces are more resistant to diseases, so not only do the plants continue to be pathogen free, but the bacteria gets a home. The bacteria plays a role that continually makes life work.

# data[].attributes.headline
Life within the Tropical Rainforest Pt. 3 

# data[].attributes.subject
Life within the Tropical Rainforest Pt. 3 

# data[].attributes.body
The harpy eagle is the largest bird of prey found in the rainforest. Although it is one of the world’s biggest eagles, it’s wingspan is (relatively) small; this is an adaption for flying through the forest. The harpy eagle is said to be the world’s most powerful bird of prey. It is capable of plucking mid-sized mammals such as monkeys and sloths from out of trees. The role that this eagle plays is more predatory as it is nearly an apex animal. It keeps populations in check for the animals it prefers to consume.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A friendly sloth high above in the trees away from danger. 

# data[].attributes.body
In the tropical rainforest, the trophic structure (feeding relationships) consists of various levels of organisms that interact in complex food webs. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

1. Producers (Autotrophs):

Plants (trees, shrubs, and grasses), algae, and some bacteria are the primary producers in the tropical rainforest.

These organisms use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy, forming the base of the food web.

Examples: Amazon rainforest trees (e.g., kapok tree), ferns, and orchids.

2. Primary Consumers (Herbivores):

Primary consumers are herbivores that feed directly on producers.

They are typically small animals that consume plants, fruits, leaves, or seeds.

Examples: Insects (e.g., grasshoppers, caterpillars), small mammals (e.g., rodents), and birds (e.g., toucans and parrots) that eat fruits.

3. Secondary Consumers (Carnivores):

These are animals that feed on primary consumers.

They can be smaller carnivores that prey on herbivores or omnivores.

Examples: Frogs that eat insects, snakes (e.g., boa constrictors), and some bird species like hawks that eat smaller mammals.

4. Tertiary Consumers (Top predators):

These are apex predators that have no natural predators and are at the top of the food chain.

Examples: Jaguars, harpy eagles, and crocodiles.

5. Decomposers (Detritivores and Saprotrophs):

Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste, recycling nutrients back into the soil to support plant growth.

Examples: Fungi, bacteria, earthworms, and ants.

Example of a Food Web:

Producers → Plants (kapok tree) → Primary Consumers → Insects (caterpillars, grasshoppers) → Secondary Consumers → Frogs, Snakes → Tertiary Consumers → Jaguar.

# data[].attributes.body
Rainforest: Mission: Biomes. Earth Observatory NASA, https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/biome/biorainforest.php#:~:text=The%20tropical%20rainforest%20is%20a,about%20250%20ft)%20or%20more

What Plants Are in the Amazon Rainforest?: Delfin Amazon Cruises Delfin Amazon Cruises. Delfin Amazon Cruises, https://www.delfinamazoncruises.com/amazon-flora/what-plants-are-in-the-amazon-rainforest/

Bacteria of the Rainforest. Tropical Rainforest, https://tropicalrainforestsofearth.weebly.com/bacteria.html

Rainforest Animals List With Pictures, Facts: Interesting Rainforest Species. Active Wild, https://www.activewild.com/rainforest-animals-list/#harpy-eagle

Threats to Rainforests from Humankind. Mongabay, https://worldrainforests.com/0803.htm

Amazonia: The Human Impact. National Geographic, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/amazonia-human-impact/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
climate change, global climate change, global warming, natural hazards, Earth, environment, remote sensing, atmosphere, land processes, oceans, volcanoes, land cover, Earth science data, NASA, environmental processes, Blue Marble, global maps