Arboreal canopy: what is and importance

The tree canopy is the upper stratum of an ecosystemsuch as a forest or jungle, characterized by the presence of woody plants, whose cups are intertwined forming continuous coverage. The canopy coverage modifies the quantity and quality of solar radiation that penetrates the forest. In turn, intercept the rain and influences air movements, conditioning factors such as temperature, air and soil moisture and evapotranspiration of plant species.

The structure of the tree canopy is characterized by the Stratified disposal of trees glassesforming a continuous roof on the lower canopy. In the upper part, the highest trees compete for sunlight, developing extensive glasses and branches that are intertwined, creating a dense and protective canopy. This upper stratum not only filters and modulates the intensity of sunlight, but also regulates the temperature and humidity of the forest.

The Diversity in the height of the trees contributes to the formation of microhabitatsproviding unique opportunities for a wide range of species. In addition, the tree canopy is dynamic and changes over time as trees grow and compete for resources. This complex structure is not only visually impressive, but also supports biodiversity, the regulation of local climate and carbon capture, making the plant canopy a vital element in the health and resilience of forest ecosystems.

In addition to the trees that make up the primary canopy structure, There are many other plant species as climbing and epiphytic plants (mainly in tropical and subtropical jungles) that live in these trees. The diversity of epiphytes and arthropods attract many birds and other animals due to the increase in available food resources. In turn, epiphytes are important because they contribute to the nutrient cycle, since they obtain nutrients and transfer them to other members of the ecosystem.

• Contributes to the water cycle: The woody species present in the tree canopy play a vital role in the hydrological cycle. Through evapotranspiration, they release water vapor to the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of clouds and the rainfall cycle. This process is essential to maintain climatic patterns and water availability in river basins.
• Prevents soil erosion and floods: The presence of numerous tree species in the canopy affects the dynamics of the water cycle. It reduces the impact of water drop on the soil, decreasing the erosive process, increases water infiltration and retention controlling runoff, preventing and thus avoiding floods.
• Constitutes biodiversity shelters: Under the tree canopies there is a great diversity of animals and plants that find a propitious place with optimal conditions to be able to develop, reproduce and survive. The canopy houses most species, many of them endemic, which are not found anywhere else in the forest. This is because there is a wide variety of available ecological resources and niches.
• Intervenes in the mitigation and adaptation of climate change: The tree canopies play a crucial role in mitigation and adaptation to climate change because they capture carbon dioxide (one of the greenhouse gases) storing it in their biomass, they function as a barrier in front of extreme climatic events, they retain biodiversity by converting ecosystems into more resilient environments, among other functions.
• Improves air quality: The vegetation present in the canopy absorbs atmospheric pollutants, improving air quality.
• Keep soil moisture: The canopy can retain solar radiation, causing the ground not to heat so fast and preventing evaporation from being fast. In this way, the humidity of the lowest strata is maintained, giving the development opportunity to the decomponent organisms as fungi.
• His study is essential for its conservation: Conducting research is of the utmost importance to be able to design management plans that are able to preserve these environments.

Unfortunately, currently the canopy It suffers various threats Due to deforestation, conversion in land use, indiscriminate extraction of natural resources, the introduction of invasive exotic species, the spread of new diseases and climate change.

Now that you know what the tree is, discover what is the importance of trees for the environment.

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