You might be surprised to know that tropical rainforests cover only about 7 per cent of the Earth’s total dry land surface. Yet, they were once referred to as the ‘lungs of the Earth’. Well, the reason is very fascinating.
Tropical rainforests or rainforests in general, play a preponderant role in purifying the air as well as in keeping harmful pollutants at bay. A large percentage of the world’s total oxygen is produced by these rainforests and the Amazon rainforest alone, is estimated to absorb vast quantities of the world’s total carbon emissions that result from various human and other biotic activities. Hence, these rainforests can be said to function much the same way as the human lungs, removing harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while providing oxygen simultaneously.
However, recent evidence suggests that much of the oxygen produced by living plants is used up for the decomposition of dead biotic matter that constantly accumulates within these rainforests. Hence, some scientists believe that their positive contribution to the world’s oxygen supply is considerably exaggerated.
The dark interiors of the rainforests also have the ability to trap and absorb heat from the sun; the thick forest canopy above acting as a protective roof. This shields the trapped heat from escaping into the atmosphere.
No wonder they are called ‘air conditioner’ to the outside world!
Picture Credit : Google
