Daily Current Affairs : 10-July-2023
The Amazon Rainforests, located in the South American continent, are a vital natural resource that plays a significant role in our planet’s well-being. They cover a vast area, stretching across nine nations, with Brazil having the majority share of 60% of the forest. These rainforests are home to diverse flora and fauna, and their conservation is crucial for several reasons.
The Amazon Rainforest’s Geography:
The Amazon Rainforest is surrounded by the Guiana Highlands to the north, the Andes Mountains to the west, the Brazilian central plateau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It spans across multiple countries, with Brazil, Peru, and Colombia having the largest portions, followed by Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Climate and Biodiversity:
The Amazon Rainforest experiences a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 30°C throughout the year. It lacks distinct seasons, and precipitation can range from 2,000 mm to 10,920 mm annually. This climate provides the ideal conditions for a diverse range of flora and fauna to thrive.
The rainforest is home to numerous indigenous tribes, including the Yanomamo, Kayapo, Akuntsu, Matses, and Tupi. These tribes have a deep connection with the forest and rely on its resources for their livelihoods.
In terms of fauna, the Amazon Rainforest is known for its rich biodiversity. It is inhabited by iconic species such as the anaconda, Jesus lizard, howler monkey, golden lion tamarin, jaguar, sloth, spider monkey, Amazon River dolphin, toucan, scarlet macaw, poison dart frog, and glass frog.
The flora of the rainforest consists of a variety of moist broadleaf tropical rainforest trees, including myrtle, laurel, palm, acacia, rosewood, Brazil nut, rubber tree, mahogany, and Amazonian cedar. These trees contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the ecosystem.
Significance of the Amazon Rainforests:
The Amazon Rainforests are often referred to as the “lungs of the planet” due to their significant role in oxygen production. They generate approximately 20% of the world’s oxygen, which is essential for all living beings.
Moreover, these rainforests serve as a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change. The trees in the Amazon Rainforest store vast amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, the Amazon Rainforests are home to countless plant species that possess medicinal properties. Many of these plants contain bioactive compounds that have the potential to treat diseases, including some that are currently incurable, such as certain types of cancer. The preservation of the rainforests is essential for the continued exploration of these medicinal resources.
Threats to the Amazon Rainforests:
Despite their immense ecological and cultural value, the Amazon Rainforests face several threats that jeopardize their existence and the well-being of our planet.
Climate change poses a significant challenge to the rainforests. Alterations in rainfall patterns and increased pollution have a detrimental impact on the forest ecosystem, affecting both flora and fauna.
Deforestation is a pressing concern as well. The Amazon forest has been shrinking rapidly due to land clearance by settlers for lumber extraction, grazing pastures, and farmland. This rampant deforestation leads to the loss of valuable habitats and contributes to the reduction of carbon storage capacity.
Wildfires have also become a severe threat to the survival of the rainforests. The devastating forest fires that occurred in 2019 resulted in widespread destruction, causing harm to the ecosystem and biodiversity.
The Amazon River:
The Amazon River, the largest river by volume of water in the world, holds great significance for the region and beyond.
Originating from the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 5,598 meters, the river stretches approximately 6,400 kilometers in length. It has a vast basin that covers the majority of Brazil and Peru, along with parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and a small area of Venezuela.
Several tributaries flow into the Amazon River, including the Japurá, Juruá, Madeira, Negro, Purus, and Xingu rivers. These tributaries contribute to the river’s immense volume and its role in the global riverine discharge into the oceans.
The Amazon River eventually meets the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern coast of Brazil, forming a vital ecosystem where freshwater meets saltwater.
Important Points:
Importance of Brazil’s Amazon Rainforests:
- Cover a vast area spanning nine South American nations, with Brazil having 60% of the forest.
- Hot and humid climate, fostering diverse flora and fauna, including iconic species like anacondas, jaguars, and toucans.
- Home to indigenous tribes like Yanomamo, Kayapo, and Tupi, with deep connections to the forest.
- Generates about 20% of the world’s oxygen, earning the title “lungs of the planet.”
- Crucial in the fight against climate change, as trees store significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
- Abundance of plant species with medicinal properties, offering potential treatments for diseases like cancer.
Threats to the Amazon Rainforests:
- Climate change causing changes in rainfall patterns and increased pollution.
- Rampant deforestation due to land clearance for lumber, grazing, and agriculture.
- Severe wildfires, such as the 2019 forest fires, leading to widespread devastation.
- These threats endanger the ecosystem, biodiversity, and carbon storage capacity.
Significance of the Amazon River:
- Largest river by volume of water globally, with a length of about 6,400 kilometers.
- Basin covers major parts of Brazil and Peru, along with portions of Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela.
- Numerous tributaries, including Japurá, Juruá, Madeira, Negro, Purus, and Xingu rivers.
- Contributes to 20% of the world’s riverine discharge into the oceans.
- Meets the Atlantic Ocean on Brazil’s northeastern coast, forming a vital ecosystem.
Why In News
According to Brazil’s national space research agency, the remarkable efforts to curb deforestation in the Amazon region resulted in a significant 34% decrease during the first half of 2023, marking a positive shift in environmental conservation. These encouraging results highlight the nation’s commitment to protecting one of the world’s most vital and diverse ecosystems.
MCQs about Brazil’s Amazon Rainforests and River
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What is the primary reason that the Amazon Rainforests are often called the “lungs of the planet”?
A. They produce 20% of the world’s oxygen.
B. They serve as a natural habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
C. They act as a crucial buffer against climate change.
D. They contain valuable medicinal plants.
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Which of the following poses a significant threat to the survival of the Amazon Rainforests and its ecosystem?
A. Climate change
B. Indigenous tribes
C. Rainfall patterns
D. River tributaries
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What is the main significance of the Amazon River?
A. It is the second longest river in the world.
B. It serves as a natural barrier against deforestation.
C. It contributes 20% of the world’s freshwater resources.
D. It provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the tribes inhabiting the Amazon Rainforests?
A. Yanomamo
B. Tupi
C. Mayan
D. Kayapo
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