Amazon Rainforest:

• Covers 5.5 million km².
• 1/3 of the world's trees. [400 billion]
• Provides 20% of the world's oxygen.
• 91% deforested since 1970.

Causes of Deforestation:

• Cattle ranching (70% deforestation).
• Population growth, more land, more jobs.
• Slash and burn farming.
• Road building (12,000 km of new roads).
• Logging for income.
• Hydroelectricity and mining.
• Trans-Amazonian Highway (5,300 km).

Impacts:

• Loss of biodiversity.
• Soil erosion and infertility.
• Reduced evaporation, less rainfall, local droughts.
• Slash and burn farming contributes to global warming.

Vegetation Adaptations:

• Smooth tree bark to prevent strangler figs.