Layers of the Rainforest
Explore the physical differences between the layers. What differences do you notice?
Layers
Forest Floor: The forest floor is continually hot and humid. Due to the fact, that only two percent of the light that reaches the canopy can get through to the forest floor, the forest floor is dark, damp and dim. Such conditions slow the growth of many plants which require light to flourish. In some of the deepest jungles the ground is a maze of scattered fallen leaves, roots, branches and twigs. When a tree falls it enables extra light to enter allowing numerous lianas, herbs and saplings to grow. As a result, rates of growth are incredible.
Understory: The Understorey layer only receives approx. 2% - 15% of the sunlight that hits the canopy layer. The plants that flourish here require little light such as the Dwarf Palm which max at a height around 4-5metres. Many of the plants in the understory rely on insects for their food. Others have fruit on their trunks. Many creatures live in the understory, such as snakes and frogs and it is home to the largest amount of insects.
Canopy: The canopy is the second highest layer of the rainforest. It provides a dense cover for the ground allowing very little sunlight to penetrate through. This evergreen layer stands approx. 25-50 metres above the ground. A number of the creatures that live in this layer rarely venture to the forest floor.
Emergent Layer: The Emergent Layer is the tallest layer in the rainforest. It consists of a few trees that emerge above the canopy layer. They are typically wider than the trees in the canopy as they have ample space to spread and grow.
Understory: The Understorey layer only receives approx. 2% - 15% of the sunlight that hits the canopy layer. The plants that flourish here require little light such as the Dwarf Palm which max at a height around 4-5metres. Many of the plants in the understory rely on insects for their food. Others have fruit on their trunks. Many creatures live in the understory, such as snakes and frogs and it is home to the largest amount of insects.
Canopy: The canopy is the second highest layer of the rainforest. It provides a dense cover for the ground allowing very little sunlight to penetrate through. This evergreen layer stands approx. 25-50 metres above the ground. A number of the creatures that live in this layer rarely venture to the forest floor.
Emergent Layer: The Emergent Layer is the tallest layer in the rainforest. It consists of a few trees that emerge above the canopy layer. They are typically wider than the trees in the canopy as they have ample space to spread and grow.