Science Visualized Ecosystems

Mapping rainforest chemistry from the air reveals 36 types of forest

Chemical signatures of the Peruvian tree canopy reveal previously unrecognized biodiversity

images of Peruvian tropical forest

COMPLEX CANOPIES  A single hectare of Peruvian tropical forest is shown in natural color (left) and in colors that correspond to as many as 23 different chemicals. The images, taken from a plane, reveal a surprising level of complexity within the forest.

G. Asner/Carnegie Institution for Science

By Laurel Hamers

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