equatorial rain forest

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equatorial rain forest

ecology

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June 26, 2026

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Equatorial rainforests, also known as tropical rainforests, are characterized by consistently high temperatures and abundant rainfall, typically exceeding 1,800 mm (70 inches) annually. These lush forests, found near the Equator, are composed of tall, broad-leaved evergreen trees. The consistent day length and high solar energy ensure a year-round growing season, though topography can create local climate variations.12

These ecosystems are vital for global climate regulation, acting as significant absorbers of carbon dioxide and playing a role in the exchange of gases between the biosphere and atmosphere. They also harbor immense biodiversity, with a vast gene pool that is threatened by deforestation. Soils in these regions are often deep but infertile due to rapid decomposition and nutrient leaching.312

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Benin
Plant and animal life
The original rain forest, which covered most of the southern part of the country, has now largely been cleared, except near the rivers. In its place, many oil palms and rônier palms have been planted and food crops are cultivated. North of Abomey the vegetation is an…
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The original rain forest, which covered most of the southern part of the country, has now largely been cleared, except near the rivers. In its place, many oil palms and rônier palms have been planted and food crops are cultivated. North of Abomey the vegetation is an…
Read More

Cameroon
Plant and animal life
The tropical rainforest at elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet (1,200 and 2,400 meters) differs from that of the lowlands: the trees are smaller, are of different species, and are festooned with mosses, lichens, and other epiphytes. Above the rainforest zone are drier woodlands, tall grasslands, or…
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The tropical rainforest at elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet (1,200 and 2,400 meters) differs from that of the lowlands: the trees are smaller, are of different species, and are festooned with mosses, lichens, and other epiphytes. Above the rainforest zone are drier woodlands, tall grasslands, or…
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Nigeria
Plant and animal life
…give way to dense tropical rainforests. Economically valuable, the oil palm grows wild and is usually preserved when forest is cleared for cultivation. In the more densely populated parts of the southeast, the original forest vegetation has been replaced by open palm bush. In the southwest large areas of forest…
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…give way to dense tropical rainforests. Economically valuable, the oil palm grows wild and is usually preserved when forest is cleared for cultivation. In the more densely populated parts of the southeast, the original forest vegetation has been replaced by open palm bush. In the southwest large areas of forest…
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rainforest
…increases along the borders of equatorial rainforests, the vegetation is replaced by montane forests, as in the highlands of New Guinea, the Gotel Mountains of Cameroon, and in the Ruwenzori mass of Central Africa. Tropical deciduous forests are located mainly in eastern Brazil, southeastern Africa, northern Australia, and parts of…
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…increases along the borders of equatorial rainforests, the vegetation is replaced by montane forests, as in the highlands of New Guinea, the Gotel Mountains of Cameroon, and in the Ruwenzori mass of Central Africa. Tropical deciduous forests are located mainly in eastern Brazil, southeastern Africa, northern Australia, and parts of…
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