Page 149 - SST Class 07
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countries of parts of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador,
forests are being cut down year after year. The
Columbia and Venezuela. The river empties into cleared areas are used for agriculture, industry and
the Atlantic Ocean near the Equator. settlement. This trend has to be reversed in order
The Amazon River got its name after the tribal to protect the environment.
woman-warriors who live in the central part.
If there is a large variety of plants in the Amazon
Francisco de Orellana, a Spaniard, sailed through valley, the animal life is equally diverse and
the length of this river. He faced these woman- vibrant. You can find a large variety of birds, such
warriors and compared them with the Amazons, as toucans, humming birds, birds of paradise etc.
the Greek mythological characters. Mammals comprise of monkeys, jaguars, pumas,
sloths, anteaters, armadillos etc. There are many
Info Bits species of lizards on the river banks, such as
Info Bits
crocodiles and alligators. The snakes include
River Amazon was discovered by a spanish explorer anaconda, pythons and boa constrictor. The river
named Vincente Yanes Pinzoin. water is alive with different kinds of fishes.
Climate
The Amazon basin is the wettest region on the
earth with the average annual rainfall measuring
over 250 cm. It rains on about 200 days in a year.
It rains almost every afternoon without much
warning. Both day and night being equal, the days
A toucan An anteater An anaconda
are hot and humid. As perspiration does not
evaporate quickly, the skin feels sticky. The Unfortunately, the clearing of forests has
average temperature is about 27°C. threatened wildlife also. Wildlife is further
threatened due to hunting for food and game.
Just Think! People
We have told you how the Amazon River got its
How different is the climate of your place with that name. There are many such tribals who live a
of the Amazon basin?
primitive and contented life in harmony with
Flora and Fauna nature. Their chief occupations are fishing and
hunting. However, many people are clearing
The hot and humid climate, together with heavy
forests for agriculture,
rainfall and fertile soil, makes this region suitable
for rainforests, which are called selvas. These industry and settlements.
Due to this, the cover of
rainforests are home to the rarest species of both
the rainforests is
plants and animals. The forests are so thick that a
dense canopy is formed on the top, due to which depleting fast. Therefore,
the problem of soil
sunlight does not reach the ground. It makes the
erosion has become
ground dark and damp. Only shadow-tolerant Tribals in the Amazon basin
plants can grow in this shadow. This region grave in some areas.
possesses almost 30 percent of all types of species Farming is chiefly done by women, while men are
of plants and animals. engaged in hunting and fishing. The tribals chiefly
grow topioca, pineapple and sweet potato. They
The chief varieties of trees found here include
mahogany, ebony, balsa, rubber, cocoa, nuts, also grow cash crops like coffee, maize and
cocoa. Their staple food is cassava, called manioc,
cinchona etc. These trees are useful for a number
of industries, such as building, furniture, boats and which grows under the ground like potato. They
aeroplane models, paper etc. Sadly enough, these also eat queen ants and egg sacs.
Life in Tropical and Subtropical Regions
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