Question

A tropical rainforest in South America is home to more than 40,000 species of plants, 3,000 of fish, 1,300 of birds, 427 of mammals, 427 of amphibians, 378 of reptiles and 1,25,000 insects, snails and worms.

1. From the given data, calculate the total number of known vertebrate species in the rainforest.
2. Give a reason to justify the huge difference in the number of plant and animal species.

Answer 1

i. Total vertebrate species = 3,000 + 1,300 + 427 + 427 + 378

= 5,532

ii. Animals are mobile and can migrate to escape harsh conditions or explore new areas. Animals have adapted to changing environments, developing complex nervous systems and receptors. Their responses are adaptive and ensure survival. Plants, being fixed, have fewer evolutionary adaptations for water, minerals, and sunlight.