Forests cover about seven percent of the earth's surface, half of that is tropical. Restricted to southern Florida in the continental United States. Vast number of densely spaced trees and enormous diversity of species, sites and sounds . General lack of seasonality. Frost and freezing temperates restricted to tropical mountains.
Soils are geologically old and therefore generally poor in mineral nutrients .
Fires common during dry season, mostly slow burning and not hot. Usually large smooth leaves with drip points to prevent water from accumulating on the blade. Extreme diverse array of species in small area 5. Relationships between ants and plants are significant evolutionarily. Cutting of forest to create large expanses of grazing land rapidly depleting tropical forests resulting in soil depletion, erosion and changes in local climates.