Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3.1 Location of tropical rainforests within the Neotropical region.
(Map by
Bernd Kuennecke.)
by the Brazilian or Guyanan shield. This ancient basement rock formation occurs
in pieces in Africa and Asia as well.
The tropical rainforests of Central and South America reflect the history of the
continent. Central America is a mix of geology of different ages and origins, whose
biota before its connection to South America was dominated by North American
species. Today, life in the rainforests of Central America is more similar to that of
South America. South America was separated from Africa at the breakup of the
Gondwana supercontinent and isolated for millions of years. Periodic connections
to Central and North America caused by lower sea levels have contributed to the
flora and fauna seen today. In addition, the development of the Andes mountain
range continues to influence the region. Because or in spite of these events, the
Neotropical rainforest contains a vast array of plants and animals found nowhere
else in the world. The Amazon and Orinoco rivers and their tributaries throughout
Brazil, southern Venezuela, eastern Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia reach more than
a thousand miles of land, enriching the greatest rainforests in the world in terms of
area and species diversity. The vast and lavish forest houses countless species,
