Final answer:
The export of rain forests in the region is timber, which is a significant cause of deforestation in tropical regions and has major economic importance for countries with limited alternatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
An export of rain forests in the region is c. timber. Tropical rain forests are crucial as they host up to 50 percent of the Earth's biodiversity despite covering only about five percent of the Earth's surface. However, deforestation for agricultural activities, logging, and mining poses a significant threat to these forests. Notably, tropical hardwood trees are commonly harvested for lumber, contributing to economic growth in regions where alternatives may be limited.
The photograph in Figure 4.5 and other data suggest that the timber trade, especially in tropical regions like Southeast Asia and the Amazon Basin, is a significant cause of deforestation. These areas often depend on logging as a major economic activity, exporting large quantities of tropical non-coniferous logs.
In summary, tropical rain forests provide vital resources such as timber, which is often exported. However, this comes at the cost of extensive deforestation, with grave impacts on the ecosystem and biodiversity.