Tropical Rainforests are often referred to as the Earth’s greatest biological treasures as they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, provide habitats for millions of plant and animal species and ecosystems, supply ingredients for medicines and define the history and culture of many ethnic communities. In recent times, however, this land is continually being considered for its economic value through timber cutting, agricultural purposes such as cattle grazing and residential growth and development.

This webquest requires you to work through a task regarding the uses of a rainforest, the pressures that humans place on these valuable and precious regions and the importance of finding a balance between sustaining their environmental biodiversity while encouraging economic and social development.

The video below shows the many ecosystems and relationships that can be found within the rainforest biome and reinforces just how valuable these environments are.

For a more in depth description of rainforests, move onto the Introduction.