Anthropogenic impacts (IMAGE) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Caption Tropical forests are some of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth, largely due to recent human activities. Credit Sean Mattson, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Usage Restrictions Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. License CC BY-NC Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.