Biodiversity of Rainforests

Biodiversity describes the variety of living things on Earth, in a particular place or in a particular ecosystem. It is essential to the survival of plants and animals but human activities have upset biodiversity and it is not under threat.
This book is part of an important new series for upper primary looking at the biodiversity of habitat types and ecosystems. It examines the threats and efforts to conserve biodiversity, and identifies biodiversity hotspots. Scientists estimate that up to 50 species become extinct every day, and human activities have sped up the natural rate of extinction by up to 1000 times.

In Biodiversity of Rainforests, you will discover:
• Rainforests cover about six per cent of the Earth’s surface yet they are home to two thirds of the world’s species of plants and animals.
• Rainforest biodiversity is under threat from agriculture, logging, wildlife trade and climate change.
• The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world and clearing (deforestation) is the greatest threat to its biodiversity.
• You can help protect rainforests in several ways.

Contents

What is biodiversity?
Why is biodiversity important?
Rainforests of the world
Rainforests biodiversity
Rainforests ecosystems
Threats to rainforests
Biodiversity threats
Rainforest conservation
Case study
What is the future for rainforests?