Rainforest

Rainforest
 Rainforests are one of the oldest living ecosystems still
remaining in the world. Some have existed, as they are
today, for at least 70 million years. They're a diverse and
complex system home to half of the world’s animal
species, as well as over 1500 species of plants and 750
species of trees.
 Rainforests are able to thrive on every continent except
Antarctica. The largest of these forests are the Amazon
Rainforest of South America.
Tropical Rainforest
Layers of Rainforest
Emergent Layer
 The upmost layer of the rainforest is known as the emergent
layer. Within this layer, you would see the very tallest trees
standing tall above the canopy, above the other trees. These
trees can reach up to 60 meters in height and dominate like
skyscrapers. These trees have access to an abundance of
sunlight to photosynthesize, though it is hard to pull water all
the way from the forest floor (especially during droughts and
dry seasons) so the leaves are small and waxy to retain water.
Layers of Rainforest
Emergent Layer
 Animals in the highest layers of the rainforest developed
interesting adaptations to maneuver through the emergent
layer’s unstable branches. They fly or glide between the trees.
Animals that can’t glide are usually very light to be able to be
supported by the branches. These animals include birds, bats,
gliding squirrels and other gliding mammals, butterflies, hawks
and even eagles.
Layers of Rainforest
Canopy Layer
 Next in the layers of the rainforest is the canopy layer, sitting
just below the emergent layer. This is a deep layer of vegetation
(up to 6 meters in thickness) that is made up of a dense
network of leaves and tree branches. They almost form an
impenetrable roof over the two layers below.
 The canopy blocks out winds, rainfall and sunlight, as it
catches most sunlight. This creates a very still, and humid
environment within the canopy and in the layers of the
rainforest below. Trees have adapted to this environment by
producing glossy leaves and by requiring less direct sunlight.
Layers of Rainforest
Canopy Layer
 Within the canopy layer, there is an abundance of food that the
animals can take advantage of. The dense vegetation also dulls
sound, so many animals use the canopy to hide from
predators. More animals live in the canopy than in any other
layers of the rainforest.
Layers of Rainforest
Understory Layer
 Located far below the dense canopy is the understory layer. It
is dark, still and humid. Plants here, such as palm trees, are
much shorter and have large leaves to catch the little light that
is available. Understory plants often produce large, colourful
flowers.
Layers of Rainforest
Forest Floor Layer
 The forest floor is the darkest and lowest of the layers of the
rainforest. It is extremely difficult for plants to grow here, and
leaves that fall to the forest floor decay quickly.
 Only 2% of the sunlight gets through the layers above to reach
the forest floor. Large-leafed shrubs and saplings will attempt
to grow in the few patches of sunlight that there are. Dead
leaves will make up a layer on the forest floor for fungi and
moss to grow.
Layers of Rainforest
Importance of Rainforests
Rainforests:
 help stabilize the world’s climate;
 provide a home to many plants and animals;
 maintain the water cycle
 protect against flood, drought, and erosion;
 are a source for medicines and foods;
 support tribal people; and
 are an interesting place to visit