Multifarious

Rainforest in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Rainforests exist only through an interdependence of multifarious flora and fauna. They cover less than 2% of  Earth, yet they are home to 50% of its plants and animals. A typical four square-mile patch of rainforest contains up to 750 species of trees, 400 species of birds, and 150 species of butterflies. Even so, rainforests are being leveled at the rate of one football field per second, despite providing a livelihood for over 1 billion people.

Multifarious (pronounced “mult-əh-FAIR-ee-əs”)

Having great variety; diverse.

Etymology

From Latin multi, “many”, plus fariam, “parts”. Fariam is also the root of omnifarious, meaning “all parts”.

Synonyms

sundry, multiform, manifold

Source

Nature.org: Rainforest Facts |   Photo by: baxterclaus