There are many different types of rain forests. They can grow on mountains, seacoasts, plains, or in river valleys. How are they different from each other? One difference is how much rain falls in a year. Another is the average temperature. The plants and animals which live in each type of rain forest can be different too.You will learn about the tropical rainforest on this page. In the tropical rainforest, there are more kinds of plants, animals, birds, and insects than anywhere else on earth. In fact, there are millions of different kinds!
Why are they called tropical rain forests?
Tropical means close to the equator. The equator is an imaginary belt which circles the earth and divides it into two halves. Near the equator, the sun shines directly on the earth. The areas directly above and below the equator are called the tropics and are always warm and humid, much like summertime.Most tropical rain forests are located on the continents of Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
The largest tropical rain forest in the world is the Amazon Rain Forest in South America. The world's largest river, the Amazon, flows through it. Much of this rain forest is in the country of Brazil.
The Layers of the Rainforest
The rain forest is divided into four main layers. Different kinds of trees, flowers, and other plants grow in each layer. These layers are called the emergent layer, the canopy, the understory, and the forest floor.Emergent Layer - The Top Layer
These huge trees rise above all other trees in the forest and grow to 150 ft. tall. They receive the most sunlight.Canopy - The Next Layer
A canopy (or cover) of very tall trees is the next layer of the rain forest. The treetops, or crowns, grow very close together and form a lush green garden in the air. The canopy is rich with plants, animals and insects. Many beautiful birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and flowering plants live here. Monkeys, bats, reptiles, and other animals swing, swoop, and climb through the canopy.Understory - The Middle Layer
Smaller trees, bushes, and plants such as ferns, live in the understory. Not much sunlight reaches here, because the canopy blocks the sun. Still, many birds and animals make their home in the understory. Forest wildcats, such as the leopard, are excellent tree climbers. They will chase monkeys and squirrels through the understory for food.Forest Floor - The Bottom Layer
Few plants grow on the forest floor because almost no sunlight reaches here. But the leaves and plants which drop from the upper layers provide food and shelter for animals and insects who live on the forest floor. Mice, frogs, snakes and insects look for food. Larger animals, such as wild boar and deer, also make the forest floor their home.