Forestry Issues and Global Chan~e


Reference: Ciesin Thematic Guide



"Ecological Complexity of Tropical Forests", in The Primary Source, by N. Myers. 1992

An ecologically rich area such as the tropical forest "...resembles an arena of incessant pushing and shoving, each organism searching for an advantage..."

"...there are obvious checks and balances..."

"...biolo~ical richness...", "...complexity of interactions..."

"...1000 species within one particular square kilometer..."

"What has given rise to this ecological complexity? ...exceptional amounts of light, warmth, and moisture... no seasonal hiatus..." "...species evolve to take advantage of ... an unceasing feast."

"...they can afford to stay in one place..."

"Tropical forest ecosystems are almost certainly the oldest continuous ecosystems on the planet."


contraction of forests 10,000 years ago left "forest refugia"

In SE Asia, changing sea levels repeatedly connected and disconnected islands allowing for occasional isolation and intermingling of species. 20,000 islands.

Mineral nutrients

Forest soils deficient in P, K, S, acidic and aluminum toxicity


Crop farming requires large amounts of lime and fertilizer

Root mass exceeds that of tropical forests, roots exposed to catch nutrients before they enter the soil.