Layers of the rainforest - Info pack

The rainforest is a complex biome, and it's structured into distinct layers, each with unique characteristics and inhabitants. At the very top is the Emergent Layer, which is the loftiest part of the rainforest. Trees in this layer reach staggering heights comparable to skyscrapers and form a high-rise habitat for a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and insects. These towering trees break through the dense canopy below, allowing them to access abundant sunlight and dominate the rainforest skyline.

Descending from the dizzying heights of the emergent trees, we find the Canopy Layer. This layer is a dense ceiling of leaves and branches from the canopy trees, which are so thick that they prevent 98% of sunlight and 80% of rainfall from reaching the layers beneath. It's a bustling hub of biodiversity, home to the majority of rainforest animals. Below the canopy, the Understory Layer exists in a perpetual twilight, with limited sunlight encouraging the growth of small shrubs and trees, while moss and algae flourish on tree trunks and vines. This shadowy realm is favoured by insects and reptiles. Finally, at ground level, there's the Forest Floor Layer. Despite poor soil quality, the floor is rich in nutrients from decaying plant matter. It's a vital part of the ecosystem where rapid decomposition in the warm, humid environment provides sustenance for a diverse range of insects and larger mammals such as tigers, gorillas, elephants, and anteaters.