9781422277546

Words to Understand

carbon dioxide (CO 2 )— a gas formed from carbon and oxygen, released by breathing animals and by burning carbon-rich fossil fuels and trees. decomposition— the rotting process by which leaf litter and other debris is bro- ken down into simpler substances. humus— soil enriched with nutrients from decaying animals or plants. leaf litter— the layer of dead leaves and other debris on the forest floor. mangrove— tropical plants that grow in dense thickets along coasts, often with their roots in the sea water. montane— refers to plants that grow in mountainous regions. root-mat— the spreading, criss-crossing roots of some rainforest trees, that soak up every available drop of moisture. temperate— belonging to the regions of the world midway between the Equator and the poles, where temperatures are generally less extreme.