| The rainforest's biggest
attribute is the huge amount of biodiversity. The rainforest is house to critters
and plants alike. But the rainforest affects much more than the animals that live
within it. In
recent years, important discoveries have been made in the Amazon regarding medicine. Many
botanists and biologists have discovered plants from which certain chemicals can be
derived. These chemicals, in turn, can be used to treat certain illnesses such as
diarrhea, digestive problems and even cancer.
Another great contribution of the
rainforest is oxygen. During photosynthesis (converting energy from sunlight into energy
the plant can use such as glucose), plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The
Amazon acts as a giant vacuum. It cleanses the air of carbon dioxide, something our
bodies breathe out, and releases oxygen. The Amazon Rainforest contributes to a
substantial portion of the atmosphere's oxygen. |