The Amazon Rainforest: A Critical Role in Plant Biodiversity

80,000 Plant Species Call the Amazon Home

The Amazon rainforest, a vast and vibrant ecosystem, is home to an astonishing array of plant life. Researchers estimate that the rainforest contains as many as 80,000 plant species, with approximately 40,000 of these species playing critical roles in the ecosystem.

Keystone Species in the Rainforest

These keystone species provide essential services for the functioning of the rainforest, such as:

• Producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide
• Providing food and shelter for animals
• Regulating water flow and soil erosion
• Supporting a diverse array of microclimates