Treasures of the Rain Forest
Many of the things you use every day come from the tropical rain forests. Look at an eraser in your desk or on the end of your pencil. That eraser is made from rubber. That rubber came from a rubber tree in the rain forest!Tropical rain forests are full of natural resources such as fruit and nut trees, rubber trees, and spice plants. All of these plants and trees grow naturally and are native to the rain forest. People cultivate these plants and trees and then use the fruits, spices, and wood to sell at stores. You may buy fruits and vegetables that are from the rain forest at your local market. Avocados, lemons, tangerines, bananas, pineapple, and grapefruit are just some of the fruits you may find in your grocery bag. Peanuts, cashew nuts, tapioca, coffee, and tea are other food products that come from the rain forest as well.
Have you ever eaten a spicy meal? Well if you have, you were probably eating spices that came from the rain forest. Black pepper, paprika, cayenne, chili pepper, and turmeric spices all grow in the rain forest. And if you have a sweet tooth, you'll enjoy these flavors also from the rain forest: vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and cocoa (chocolate).
The rain forest generates more than just food. The rubber tree produces latex (liquid rubber). Rubber is used to make rubber bands, tires, balloons, erasers, and balls. There is also a tree that produces chicle, the gummy substance used to make chewing gum!
Many plants in the rain forest can cure diseases – these plants are called medicinal plants. About one-fourth of all the medicines we use come from rain forest plants. There are also plants that produce the oils found in insect repellents, suntan lotions, soaps, and perfumes. Your medicine cabinet may be full of things from the rain forest!
Today, much of the rain forest is being cut down for lumber and to make room for cattle and farming. Unfortunately, few new trees are planted and the rain forest is shrinking day by day. Soon, there will be very little left of the fruit trees, rubber trees, and medicinal plants. Even the rain forest animals will no longer have a home.
Fortunately, however, there are ways to conserve the rain forest. Trees can be planted on land that has been cleared. We can use products from the rain forest without destroying it: nuts, fruits, and plants can be gathered carefully, and latex can be taken from the same rubber trees year after year. If we are careful, we can enjoy the products of the rain forest while also helping to maintain it as a healthy and fruitful environment.
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