Weekly Spotlight : Abundance | Ecosystem

High abundance in an ecosystem usually means that a species has a large population and plays an important role in that environment.

Example: Brazil nut tree in the Amazon rainforest

The Brazil nut tree is one of the tallest and most abundant large trees in parts of the Amazon rainforest. Its high abundance means it plays multiple important roles in the ecosystem:

• Provides food: Its nuts feed animals like agoutis (a type of rodent), monkeys, and birds.
• Supports biodiversity: Its large branches offer homes for insects, birds, and mosses.
• Helps the forest cycle: It absorbs carbon dioxide, gives off oxygen, and helps with water cycling through its roots and leaves.

Because there are many Brazil nut trees, their impact is big and widespread. If their numbers dropped, many species would be affected. A tree with high abundance in the rainforest (like the Brazil nut tree) supports food chains, habitats, and natural cycles — making it a foundation of the ecosystem.