Layers of the Rainforest
There are four layers of the rainforest. These four layers are called; Emergent, Canopy, Understorey and Forest Floor. Each of these layers have different qualities and different purpose.
The Emergents are the tallest trees in the rainforest.
These trees can tower over the res of the rainforest by as much as 200 feet!
Majority of these trees are wide-leaved, hardwood trees that are evergreens.
As a result of this layer being at the very top, it has plenty of sunlight at the top.
Many animals are also found at the top such as, eagles, monkeys, bats and butterflies.
The second layer is the Canopy.
The Canopy forms a roof using its many layers to protect the Understorey and Forest Floor.
Most of the Canopy trees have smooth silky, oval leaves that end in a point.
The Canopy is a circuit of leaves and several branches.
Many animals such as sankes, toucans and treefrogs live in the canopy.
The third layer is the Understorey layer.
Because of the many layers of shelter on top of the emergents, they receive little amount of sunlight.
As a result of this, the plants have to grow larger and thicker leaves to reach the sunlight.
Most of these plants grow to about 12 feet tall.
Jaguars, Red-eyed tree frogs and Leopards live in this layer.
There is also a large variety of insects living here too.
The final layer of the rainforest is the Forest Floor.
You could imagine how dark it would be on the forest floor, considering the amount of protection above.
As a consequence of this, little plant and animal life live and or grow here. Things also decay and rot quickly because of the lack of sunlight.
For example - A leaf that may take 1 year to decompose in normal climate, will decay in 6 weeks as a result of the rainforest climate.
The only living species that has its habitat on the forest floor is the Giant Anteater.
The Emergents are the tallest trees in the rainforest.
These trees can tower over the res of the rainforest by as much as 200 feet!
Majority of these trees are wide-leaved, hardwood trees that are evergreens.
As a result of this layer being at the very top, it has plenty of sunlight at the top.
Many animals are also found at the top such as, eagles, monkeys, bats and butterflies.
The second layer is the Canopy.
The Canopy forms a roof using its many layers to protect the Understorey and Forest Floor.
Most of the Canopy trees have smooth silky, oval leaves that end in a point.
The Canopy is a circuit of leaves and several branches.
Many animals such as sankes, toucans and treefrogs live in the canopy.
The third layer is the Understorey layer.
Because of the many layers of shelter on top of the emergents, they receive little amount of sunlight.
As a result of this, the plants have to grow larger and thicker leaves to reach the sunlight.
Most of these plants grow to about 12 feet tall.
Jaguars, Red-eyed tree frogs and Leopards live in this layer.
There is also a large variety of insects living here too.
The final layer of the rainforest is the Forest Floor.
You could imagine how dark it would be on the forest floor, considering the amount of protection above.
As a consequence of this, little plant and animal life live and or grow here. Things also decay and rot quickly because of the lack of sunlight.
For example - A leaf that may take 1 year to decompose in normal climate, will decay in 6 weeks as a result of the rainforest climate.
The only living species that has its habitat on the forest floor is the Giant Anteater.
This page was created by Paris Baudana