03-Oct-2025
Amazon Rainforest – Carbon Fertilisation Impact
Why in News?
A study finds Amazon trees growing larger due to rising CO₂ levels, triggering the carbon fertilisation effect, which boosts photosynthesis, plant growth, and carbon storage.
Carbon Fertilisation Effect
- Higher CO₂ → More Photosynthesis → Faster plant growth, increased biomass.
- Improves water efficiency in plants.
- Limitations: Effect depends on water, nutrients (esp. nitrogen), and temperature.
Amazon Rainforest (Largest Tropical Rainforest)
|
Feature |
Details |
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Location |
South America; spans ~6 million sq. km; 60% in Brazil. Spread across Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. |
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Boundaries |
Guiana Highlands (N), Andes (W), Brazilian Plateau (S), Atlantic (E) |
|
Biodiversity |
Hosts 10% of world species; rich flora & fauna |
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Flora & Fauna |
Rubber tree, Brazil nut, mahogany, cedar, rosewood, palm and Jaguar, manatee, capybara, anaconda, sloth, macaw |
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Protected Areas |
Yasuni (Ecuador), Manu (Peru), Jau & Tumucumaque (Brazil), etc. |
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Global Role |
“Lungs of Earth” – 20% of global oxygen, major carbon sink |
Amazon River
- Largest by discharge, 2nd longest globally.
- Source: Peruvian Andes → Flows to Atlantic Ocean
- Tributaries: Rio Negro, Madeira, Xingu
- Watershed: Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia