The Four Layers of the Rainforest
The emergent, canopy, understory and forest floor layers
The Emergent Layer
- This is the tallest layer of trees in the Rainforest.
- Only few trees can break through the canopy
- These trees have long, skinny trunks and the tops look like umbrellas.
- The trees get the most sunlight, but also have to be protected from stong winds and harsh sunlight.
- They are able to protect themselves by having thick, waxy leaves.
Parrot
Parrots live in the emergent layer of the Rainforest.
Sloth
Sloths can be found in the emergent layer of the Rainforest.
Orangutan
Orangutans love hanging out the emergent layer of the Rainforest.
The Canopy Layer
- The trees in the Canopy Layer are about 100 feet tall.
- The layer of trees act as an umbrella for the ground and lower layers.
- The Canopy layer protects the ground from the sun and light rain.
- Animals get their food from the leaves, flowers and fruit that grow in the canopy.
Golden Lion Tamarin
The Golden Lion lives in the Canopy of the Rainforest.
Toucan
The toucan feels the safest in the Canopy of the Rainforest so that is where they live.
Woolly Monkey
If you look up in the Canopy of the Rainforest, you might be lucky enough to see a Woolly Monkey
The Understory Layer
- The Understory Layer is hot, damp.
- This layer has shrubs, trees, palms, and woody plants that can grow in the shade of taller trees.
- The leaves of many plants in this layer are very large so they can absorb as much sunlight as possible.
- These plants almost never grow higher than twelve feet.
Tree Frog
Tree Frogs are found in the Understory layer of the Rainforest.
Margay
The Margay can be seen in the Understory layer of the Rainforest.
Leaf Cutter Ants
Leaf Cutter Ants live in the Understory layer of the Rainforest.
The Rainforest Floor
- Very little sun reaches the Rainforest Floor.
- There is very little vegetation because there is almost no sunlight.
- One of the largest and oldest trees in the Rainforest is the Kapok tree.
- It can grow over 200 feet tall!
- (That is a very young Kapok tree in the picture to the right.)
Tapir
Tapirs can be found on the Rainforest floor.
Piranha
Piranhas are found in rivers. Especially in the Amazon River.
Giant Lily Pads
Giant Lily Pads can be found in the water in the Rainforest.