Rain Forests are usually tropical areas of land between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. There are also temperate rain forests and rain forests in mountainous areas.
Rain Forests grow in layers. The highest is the Emergent Layer,which includes the tops of a few very tall trees. It is home to the great birds of prey, perching in the treetops to spot their quarry. The Canopy layer has 90 foot trees growing close together and forming a roof that blocks the sun from the lower layers. It offers the most food and shelter and contains most of the rain forest animal life. The Understoryis just beneath the canopy. Young trees and the trunks of canopy trees make up the living space for monkeys, ocelots and others. The Shrub Layer consists of widely-scattered, low-light plants. This provides food for the large ground animals. The Forest Floor gets very little light, has sparse vegetation, and a thin, poor quality soil. It is home to ants, termites, and other insects.
1-Why do you think the rainforest needs so many layers?
2- Pretend you are 6 feet tall. You stand beside
a rain forest tree that is 233 feet tall. How much taller is the
tree than you?
3- Identify three different plants or animals that would
grow in each layer of the rain forest. Explain how the animals depend
on each layer of the rain forest.