The Amazon: 8 Interesting Facts about the Legendary River
These places are incredible and attract tourists from all over the world. They are amazing and there are quite a few that have not been stepped on by a human foot. There is no civilization here. No point on the planet can compete with Amazonia.
1. Piranha Kingdom
Piranhas, known for their ferocity, abound in the Amazon River in huge numbers. These fish are highly dangerous, especially since they hunt in large packs. Moreover, anacondas are often found in the shallows of the Amazon. These snakes reach enormous sizes and can easily swallow prey as large as a goat.
2. Black Soil in Forest Lands
When one thinks of South America, warmth and intense sunlight often come to mind. The soil throughout the tropical forests of the Amazon is black in color. Due to the dense canopy created by trees, only a small percentage of sunlight penetrates through.
3. Oldest Rainforests in the World
Scientists worldwide still engage in heated debates about the age of the Amazon rainforests. However, they unanimously agree that these forests are the oldest on our planet, with estimates suggesting they are over 100 million years old.
4. Primary Source of Food Products
It may seem unbelievable, but most of the food products we consume daily were originally brought from the depths of the tropical rainforests. These products include rice, chocolate, bananas, potatoes, and corn.
5. Waterways
There is a large number of small rivers within this territory, known as tributaries. Many mistakenly believe that the Mississippi is a single long watercourse. However, like the Amazon, it consists of numerous tributaries, approximately 1000 of which flow into the Amazon. Seventeen of these tributaries stretch for 1500 kilometers.
6. Main Transportation Route
For modern-day Europeans, who are more accustomed to using means of transportation such as airplanes and trains, it may seem incredible that the main route for transportation in South American countries is the Amazon River. The Amazon flows through Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Based on this, it can be concluded that it is a great way to transport goods for international trade.
7. River Basin Floods Annually
Between June and October, the Amazon River floods. All forest areas can be conventionally divided into three types. The first type remains untouched by floods. The second type is periodically flooded, and the third type is regularly inundated.
8. Ingredients from Tropical Forests in 25% of all Medications
One-quarter of Western medicines have come to us from the forest. It is worth noting that scientists have tested only 1% of the plants found in tropical forests for their medicinal properties. It is impossible to imagine what other reserves these inaccessible places hold.
