Book 17, Question 17
Are Rainforests Really the Lungs of the Earth?
You may have heard that rainforests are the lungs of the Earth, but that saying is mostly a myth. Rainforest plants do make lots of oxygen, but the forest's animals, fungi, and bacteria use up almost as much. Still, rainforests are hugely important!
More fun facts
- The Amazon is often called the lungs of the Earth.
- Some say it makes about 20 percent of the world's oxygen, but scientists say that idea is overstated.
- Rainforests do soak up carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
- The Amazon also helps keep rain falling in South America.
- One hectare of rainforest may hold 42,000 kinds of insects.
Sources: National Geographic, National Park Service
Questions kids ask
Does the Amazon really make 20 percent of the world's oxygen?
Scientists say that idea is overstated, though rainforests do soak up carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.