Rainforests cover less than 2% of the Earth's surface but are home to 50-70% of the planet's species. There are 4 layers in the rainforest: the emergent layer with the tallest trees up to 250 feet tall, the canopy layer that receives the most sunlight, the understory layer that receives only 2-5% sunlight, and the forest floor with poor soil and quick plant decay. Different plants and animals live in each successive layer of the rainforest ecosystem.
3. Rainforests cover less than two percent of the
Earth’s surface, yet they are home to some 50 to 70
percent of all life forms on our planet.
The rainforests are quite simply, the richest, oldest,
most productive and most complex ecosystems on
Earth.
4. There are 4 layers in
the rainforest.
- Emergent Layer
- Canopy Layer
-Understory Layer
-Forest Floor
Different animals and
plants at each level
5. Tallest layer
More sun than any other
layer
Made up of tall, wide
trees
- Trees from 130 to
250 feet tall
- Trees have waxy
leaves
Very windy and very
warm
6. Primary layer of
rainforest
Rises to 150 feet
Thick, woody vines
called lianas found in
this layer
Plants grow on the trees
- Use water and sun
unique to canopy layer
- Orchids, lichens,
ferns, mosses
7. Receives only 2-5%
of sunlight available
to the canopy
Made up of vines,
smaller trees, ferns
and palms and small
bushes
Poor soil with few
nutrients for plants
8. Very dark
Almost no plant life
Decay happens very
quickly
Lots of large tree
roots
Many large animals,
frogs, and insects
