Resources of the Rain Forest

As the world population grows, more and more damage is being done to tropical rain forests. As the demand for natural resources increases, rain forests are cut down. The land is cleared for farming, mining, ranching, and timber projects. When the rain forest environment is destroyed, the plants, animals, and people that live in the rain forests are also harmed.

The rain forests have many valuable resources. Here are some products that can be found in tropical rain forests.

• Industry - Rubber, oils, gum, waxes, flavorings, and dyes are all found in rain forests.
• Medicine - Many plants can provide cures for disease. Rosy periwinkle is one example. The drug made from this plant can help cure children with leukemia.
• Food - Many grains and fruits grow in rain forests.

Rain forests also help the environment. By using large amounts of carbon dioxide, the trees of the rain forests protect Earth against the greenhouse effect. In this way, rain forests help to regulate Earth's temperature. The rain forests also provide fresh water to one billion people worldwide.