Rain forest Depletion

Essay by alper08High School, 11th gradeA+, February 2008

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Rainforest depletion is a matter concerning not only the furry little creatures and pretty little plants of said forests, but a matter concerning the entire population of our planet earth. Rainforests are believed by most to be valuable to the survival of the human race. These vast forests provide oxygen, medicinal cures, clues to the origins of earth, and countless other secrets not yet known to mankind. Rainforests once sprawled across the globe. At one time, rainforests covered 14% of the earth's land surfaces. They now account for only 6% of the earth's land surface (Taylor). Rainforests are being harvested at a rate of one and one-half acres per second (Taylor). At this rate, scientists believe rainforests could be completely wiped out in a mere 40 years. Experts estimate a loss of 137 plant, animal and insect species everyday, a disturbing 50,000 species a year lost to rainforest depletion (Calbreath).

There are 121 prescription drugs made from rainforest-derived plants. Today we have reached a turning point; we can no longer use the excuse of ignorance. People need to try harder to stop rainforest depletion.

There are two major areas on earth where rainforests are located. One of these areas is called The Old World Tropics, which includes Africa and Asia. In Africa, the rain forests are primarily located around the Zaire river. The other area in which rainforests are located is called The New World Tropics, which contains Central and South America. The New World tropics are in lower altitudes as opposed to the Old World tropics, which are at higher altitudes. Rainforests are located around the equator. This location of the rainforests makes them warm and humid all year round. There are never cold winters in the rainforests. During winter in the rainforests, people comfortably are able to wear...