These epiphytes were infinitely more abundant than the lichens on the bark of the maples I had examined on Superior's shore. In their abundance they formed aerial gardens where, I am told, resides much of the biodiversity of the rainforest. Traditionally, epiphytes are considered a hallmark of the rainforest. High humidity, a nearly year-round presence of rain or condensation drip, coupled with the tropical warmth favor the profligation of this life style. The spare, when compared to the rainforest, growth of lichens on the bark of the maple reflects the rigors of life, the cold, the seasonality of the rains and ,of course, the long, dark winters.
Life survives by seizing the opportunity to exploit needed resources.
Where resources are abundant, life is lavish. Where resources are limited, life is sparse. The fabric of life is woven according to this dictum. The weaving is more intricate in the rainforest, less so in the temperate, but the final pattern is the same. As the Museum's Rainforest Hall opened in November of 1988, I was exploring a rainforest not far from Tirmbina where the material for the exhibit had been collected.