sademetsässä

Sademetsä, often translated as rainforest, refers to a terrestrial biome characterized by high rainfall, typically over 2000 millimeters annually, and a dense canopy of evergreen trees. These forests are found in tropical and temperate regions, with the most extensive examples located near the equator. Tropical rainforests are renowned for their exceptional biodiversity, hosting an estimated half of the world's terrestrial plant and animal species despite covering only a small percentage of the Earth's surface. The climate is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry seasons in some tropical areas.

The structure of a rainforest is often described in distinct layers, including the emergent layer of very tall trees, the dense canopy layer below, the understory of shrubs and smaller trees, and the forest floor. This stratification creates a variety of microhabitats, supporting a wide array of life forms. Plants have adapted to low light conditions on the forest floor with large leaves, while many animals have specialized adaptations for arboreal life, such as climbing, gliding, or flying.

Sademetsät play a crucial role in global climate regulation, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. They also influence regional weather patterns and are a vital source of freshwater. However, these vital ecosystems face significant threats, primarily from deforestation driven by agriculture, logging, and mining. The loss of sademetsä has profound consequences for biodiversity, indigenous communities, and the global climate.