The evolution of the wet tropical rainforest, exploring the world natural heritage from Cairns

Tropical North Queensland, home to two world natural heritages, the wet tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, has always been an indispensable stop on the must-visit list for Australia. In the hearts of many, Cairns represents the epitome of a sophisticated and livable city, combining the convenience of a modern urban environment with the relaxed vibe of sunny beaches. Visitors from around the globe gather here to comfortably enjoy travel and life on this land blessed by nature. Gazing at the layered peaks of Thornton Peak About 130 kilometers north of Cairns, adjacent to Cape Tribulation, the mountains rise in succession, surrounded by peaks, with lush greenery undulating throughout. This area, shrouded in mist all year round and standing at an altitude of 1374 meters, is one of the wettest places on Earth. Nestled within a lush tropical rainforest, the flora and fauna here have ancestors dating back hundreds of millions of years, with some species only thriving in this location. Welcome to Thornton Peak, just one of the many unsolved mysteries of the wet tropical rainforest. The northernmost point of Queensland, the Torres Strait Islands It turns out that the Great Dividing Range has provided a perfect biological bunker for fragile species, allowing them to thrive during periods of natural climate change in Australia. Even with this natural barrier, the continuous warm and cold shifts in climate still play a role in species classification and filtering, a method of natural selection by Mother Nature. As sea levels rose, the once rainforest sank beneath the sea, and it was the nutrient-rich sand and soil eroded from the wet tropical rainforest that gave birth to the Great Barrier Reef. It is hard to imagine that the continental shelf of the outer reef was once above water, and the channels surrounding the coral reef systems were once rivers flanked by rainforests on both sides. Now rafting in the Tully Gorge flanked by rainforests on both sides The Southern Cassowary, a close relative of dinosaurs The wet tropical rainforest is a living natural wonder, a paradise for unique species, home to 1/3 of Australia's marsupials and mammals, 40% of its birds, 58% of its bats, and 60% of its butterflies. There are more than 3000 different plants, over 400 bird species, and more than 100 mammal species, as well as 47 endangered animals and 227 endangered plants. Among them, we can also find 12 species of wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, such as ringtail possums, quolls, rare bats, tree kangaroos, etc. The Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo Millions of years of evolution have shaped the wet tropical rainforest we see today, with spectacular waterfalls, lush vegetation, and thriving wildlife... still full of life. Arriving in Cairns, one can see fashionable and luxurious hotels, cafes with distinct styles, and exotic restaurants. New hotels and restaurants are emerging, bringing a continuous sense of freshness to the city. The birth of new things has not changed the pure essence of Cairns—adhering to the concept of ecologically sustainable development, the natural resources of this green treasure are well preserved. Only by being there can one truly experience the wonders and mysteries of the wet tropical rainforest.