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Tropical rainforests as dynamic symbiospheres of life

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Abstract

The remote Tiputini-Yasuni tropical forest region of the northwest Amazon (eastern Ecuador) represents a rich biodiversity likely unsurpassed anywhere else on earth. The myriad ecosystems, habitats and organisms are embedded in layers of symbiotic expressions. This region and particularly its Tiputini Biodiversity Station operated by the Universidad San Francisco de Quito offer unique and significant opportunities for symbiosis research and needed habitat conservation support. The centrality of symbioses in tropical rainforests is discussed through a review of selected literature and based on recent first-hand field experiences.

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Acknowledgements

Special appreciation goes to Boston University Science Education graduate student Devon O’Rourke and Darwin Zook in helping to prepare this article; to Universidad San Francisco de Quito Tiputini Biodiversity Station staff and leadership including for their on-site conservation dedication; and to the Boston University School of Education, particularly Dr. Stephen Ellenwood, Chair of Curriculum and Teaching and the Faculty Travel Grant Committee for generous support and encouragement.

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  1. Science Education and Global Ecology, Boston University, Two Silber Way, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Douglas Zook

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Zook, D. Tropical rainforests as dynamic symbiospheres of life. Symbiosis 51, 27–36 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-010-0071-5

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