The tropical rain forest is a woodland characterized by lush vegetation and comparatively high temperature and rainfall throughout the year. Rain forests are the world's most biologically diverse ecosystems. Although they account for less than 7 percent of the land surface on Earth, they contain more than 50 percent of its plant and animal species. One hectare (about 2.5 acres) of tropical rain forest may contain more than 600 species of trees. By comparison, the forests of the United States and Canada combined contain only around 700 tree species. Even more impressive are the number and diversity of animal species that call rain forests their home. This web page will describe characteristics of the rainforest, including temperature, and animal life.
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