What are the main features associated with rainforests? - Presentation

Rainforests are incredibly complex and diverse ecosystems that are primarily found between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, at 23.5° north and south of the Equator. This location is key to their formation as it ensures that rainforests receive substantial annual rainfall—around 2,000 mm—and maintain consistently high temperatures ranging from approximately 27 to 32°C. These conditions create a wet and hot environment that is ideal for the growth of a vast array of plant and animal species. In fact, tropical rainforests are home to more species than any other biome on Earth, despite covering only about six per cent of the planet's surface.

One of the defining characteristics of rainforests is their stratification into distinct layers, each with unique ecosystems and inhabitants. These layers include the emergent layer, which consists of the tallest trees that rise above the rest; the canopy layer, which forms a dense roof over the forest; the understory layer, which is shaded under the canopy and features a variety of shrubs, young trees, and other plants; and the forest floor, which receives minimal light and is where decomposition occurs, recycling nutrients back into the soil. Educationally, students can explore these layers through collaborative research, with each member of a group focusing on one layer, ultimately combining their findings for a comprehensive understanding of rainforest structure and function.