How might the extinction of plant species from a tropical rain forest affect animals that live in the forest?

Answer 1

It's difficult to define exactly how the wildlife would be affected. Different variables would affect the ultimate outcome in a situation such as this.

For example, if the plant species which becomes extinct is a species commonly used by an insect group for breeding or feeding, and in turn, these insects turn out to be a source of food for another group of animals then obviously, as the plant species becomes scarce, so would the insects, and then, without a sustained food-source, each animal group relying on the plant would dwindle in size.

This could have effects such as behavioral changes in animals, animal groups dying, as well as changes in the other plants, if along this chain, one of the groups is responsible for harvesting certain leaves from trees etc.

Answer 2

Droughts are possible, however they do not happen often as rainforests usually have a very wet climate.

Take this example of a rainforest drought (2005):

Large parts of the Amazon rainforest are at their driest in living memory, a direct consequence, scientists say, of the severe hurricane season off the US Gulf coast.

Rainfall has been significantly below average this year along the Rio Solimoes and the Rio Madeira, two of the major Brazilian tributaries that flow into the Amazon, causing water levels to drop to record lows. Rivers and lakes are drying up, revealing huge sandbanks and making navigation difficult for boats. Since many towns are only accessible by river, medicine, food and fuel are running out in some communities

Answer 3

Yes.