Canopy
Area comprising the topmost branches and leaves of a tree or a group of trees, which provides a shady covering that cools the air beneath the leaves. In the article accompanying the podcast, it is noted that low-income areas have fewer trees to provide a canopy, and as a result, those areas are hotter.
The canopy is the uppermost part of a forest where the tree branches and leaves form a continuous layer. It is used to refer to the highest layer of vegetation in a forest or any other ecosystem that has trees where the vegetation is dense and layered. The canopy plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem by regulating temperature, humidity and sunlight levels.
The canopy also serves as an important habitat for numerous species of birds, insects and other animals that live in the forest. It provides them with a place to rest, forage, and nest. The dense foliage of the canopy also helps to filter air, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen into the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis.
Scientists have been studying the canopy since the late 1970s and early 1980s by using various methods such as climbing to the top of the trees and using remote sensing technology such as drones or aircraft-mounted sensors to map vegetation and ecosystem characteristics. This research has helped scientists to gain a better understanding of the importance of the canopy in forest ecosystems and the vital role it plays in regulating the Earth’s ecosystem.
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