Bücher der Reihe The Mighty Jungle

Africa's rainforests are rich in fauna; six kilometers (four miles) of land may be home to as many as 400 species of birds, 150 species of butterflies and 60 species of amphibians. Important mammals include the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), the gorilla (Gorilla spp.), the black colobus monkey (Colobus satanas), and the okapi (Okapi johnstoni), a donkey-like relative of the giraffe.The canopy and scrubland of the Central African rainforest is home to some of the most endangered and best-known rainforest animals, such as forest elephants, pythons, antelope and gorillas. Gorillas, a critically endangered primate, are essential for seed dispersal. Gorillas are herbivores that roam the dark, dense rainforests as well as the sun-drenched swamps and jungles. Their droppings spread the seeds in sunny areas where new trees and shrubs can take root. As such, gorillas are keystone species in many African rainforest ecosystemsThe form of vegetation affects the "surface albedo," or reflectivity of a surface, by absorbing more heat than bare ground. In turn, this heat carries moisture from forest trees into the atmosphere, where it condenses as rain. In other words, tropical forests cool the local climate and contribute to precipitation. Conversely, a reduction in vegetative forest cover means a reduction in heat absorption, which leads to a reduction in water uptake into the atmosphere.Tropical rainforests play a key role in the functioning of Earth's natural systems.For example, 50-80% of precipitation in the Amazon rainforest alone comes from transpiration. Changing the albedo of the Earth's surface affects global weather by altering winds and ocean currents patterns and changes in the distribution of precipitation. Global weather patterns could emerge if deforestation continues.

The jungle is a densely overgrown forest with little light or air reaching the ground. These environments are home to an array of exotic animals and plants. Additionally, the jungle is a popular setting for adventure stories and movies. However, these stories often present the jungle as a dark and forbidding place where danger lurks at every turn. Here, we will examine the jungle's natural environment and its importance to our planet's life-supporting processes. We will also discuss how exploring the jungle teaches us valuable lessons about life.The jungle is one of the world's most extensive natural habitats- covering around 7.3 percent of the world's land surface area. It is also known as a tropical wet forest and consists mainly of trees, bushes, and climbing plants such as lianas. The dense canopy above keeps out much of the sun's light and heat, creating a cool and damp environment. Undergrowth thrives in this moist environment, creating a treacherous environment to traverse without proper equipment. Explorers must wear long pants, gloves, boots and helmets to protect them from sharp vines and thorns.

The seas and oceans play a vital role in the earth's climate.One of the most important services the ocean provides to human society is the provision of food through captured fisheries and farms. This includes fish, invertebrates, plants and, for some cultures, marine mammals and seabirds for direct consumption or as feed in aquaculture or agriculture. These marine food sources have major benefits for human health and nutrition, economic returns and employment.Phytoplankton and algae form the basis of aquatic food webs. They are eaten by primary consumers such as zooplankton, small fish and crustaceans. Primary consumers are in turn eaten by fish, small sharks, coral and baleen whales. The ocean's top predators include large sharks, swordfish, dolphins, toothed whales and large seals. Humans consume aquatic organisms from every part of this food web.The seas and oceans are home to amazing species of animals.The Earth's oceans are home to millions of animal and plant species, as well as potentially millions more that are so far undiscovered. They are delicately balanced ecosystems and their healthy function is key to the balance of all life on Earth.