Tree Top World - An Insider's Journey Through the Tropical Canopy (Nature and Humanity Collection)

Author: Francis Aley et al. (France), translated by Xiao Min and Zhang Feng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: The Library of Humanity and Nature, taking you into the precious treasure trove high above. Three-quarters of the world's insect species live in the canopy layer, which also boasts a rich variety of plants and holds a wealth of medicinal, chemical, and aromatic raw materials, making it an extremely valuable and abundant treasure trove. However, due to its high altitude and remote location, it remains largely unknown to people. In the past two decades, several French scientists have drifted in the canopy layer of tropical primary forests using airships or hot air balloons equipped with specially designed rafts. With the help of these canopy rafts, scientists from various disciplines—botanists, entomologists, chemists—have moved freely in the tropical canopy layer at altitudes of 40 to 50 meters above the ground in countries like the Congo, Madagascar, and Guyana. They have collected a large number of specimens, samples, and data, which, after analysis, have revealed a series of little-known secrets of the canopy space. In the field of medicinal chemistry alone, they have made breakthroughs in studying various tropical diseases and even extracted rare fragrances from a rare flower. Their exploration has become a globally renowned scientific event. By reading this book and following the authors as they "paddle" in the canopy and "surf" among the treetops, you will gain many new insights and interesting knowledge.