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The Dominican Republic of the Congo is home to the planets second largest tropical rainforest ecosystem. Other ecosystems within the DRC include the tropical and subtropical grassland, savanna, shrubland, as well as the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest. There are a number of endemic species in the DRC including the okapi, eastern lowland gorilla, bonobo, and the congo peacock.
Tropical Rainforest
Tropical Rainforest
The tropical rainforest biome can be characterized by high annual rainfall, high temperatures, and high biodiversity. The high temperatures and large amount of rainfall lead to rapid plant growth and high net primary productivity. It is estimated that tropical rainforests contain about 50% of the worlds terrestrial plant and animal species. Due to the large amount of rainfall, this biome has very nutrient-poor soil. Rainforests are known to be the earths 'lungs'. They play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
The Layers of the Forest
Tropical forests have distinct vertical layers of vegetation with unique habitats. The forest floor is covered in a layer of plants and decaying plant matter. Above that is an understory of shrub-like foliage. Beyond the understory is a layer of trees that reaches to the upper canopy of branches and leaves.
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services are ways in which humans benefit from natural ecosystems. The tropical rainforest is known to be "natures medicine cabinet". The high diversity of plants, animals, and other organisms, holds the potential for various new drugs. Compounds found in tropical plants have been used to treat malaria, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and numerous other health problems.
The Impact of Gorillas
The Impact of Gorillas
Gorillas play a huge part in the biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. As gorillas roam through various territories, they help to disperse the seeds of the fruit they consume. Many of these seeds are too large for other animals. Seed dispersal is an important part of keeping the forest healthy, shaping plant communities and sustaining the environment. Without this dispersal, the natural balance in the food chain would be disrupted.
References:
Tropical rainforest biomes (article). (n.d.). Khan Academy. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/biogeography/a/tropical-rainforest-biomes
Gorilla Vocalizations - Dian Fossey -. (2019, December 13). Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://gorillafund.org/uncategorized/gorilla-vocalizations/
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Animal Facts | Gorilla Berengei Graueri. (2021, February 17). AZ Animals. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://a-z-animals.com/animals/eastern-lowland-gorilla/
What Do Gorillas Eat? | Gorilla Food Chain | Silverback Gorilla Foods. (2019, June 15). BioExplorer. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.bioexplorer.net/what-do-gorillas-eat.html/
Beauvoisin, C. (n.d.). Gorilla Families. Horizon Guides. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://horizonguides.com/guides/gorilla-trekking/gorilla-families
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