A tropical rainforest is divided into four main layers which include the emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor layers. Each layer has different plants and animals that have adapted to that layer.

Emergent layer

The emergent layer contains a small number of large trees that reach up to 55m (180 ft) and is above the layer called the canopy. The trunk can reach up to 4m (16 feet) in diameter. These trees need to be able to withstand the hot temperatures and strong winds. Animals living in this layer include: eagles, monkeys, butterflies and bats.

Canopy layer

The canopy layer contains the majority of the largest trees, typically 30-45m (95-150 ft) tall. This is the densest area of the forest canopy and has the most plant species. One of the unique characteristics about this layer is plants that attach to trunks and branches and grow from the nutrients of the air. These plants are called epiphytic plants.

A quarter of all insect species are believed to exist in the rainforest canopy. Scientists are still learning about this level of the rainforest. The science of accessing tropical forest canopy is called dendronautics and is progressively evolving.

Understory layer

The understory layer lies between the canopy and the forest floor. The understory is home to insects, snakes, birds, lizards, deer, and jaguars. The leaves are much larger at this level. There are seedlings at this level and about 5% of the sunlight shining on the rainforest reaches the understory.

Forest floor

The forest floor is the bottom layer of the rainforest and receives 2% of the sunlight shining on the forest. The plants at this layer are adapted to low light. The forest floor is relatively clear of vegetation because of the limited sunlight.

This layer contains decaying plant and animal matter. There are forms of fungi and plant waste at this level . It takes longer for rain to touch the forest floor because of the dense trees above it.

More than half of the world's plant and animal species are found in the rainforest. Rainforests support fauna, flora, mammals, reptiles, birds, and invertebrates. Learn more about the rainforest animals found in Costa Rica.

Links of interest

Rainforest Alliance sees boom in certified farms by Marcy Nicholson for Reuters.

About Replanting the Rainforests at www.replantingtherainforests.org.

Rainforest Alliance to Laud Business Leaders for Environmental and Social Responsibility at Organization's 20th Anniversary GalaThe Corporate Social Respnsibilitiy Press Release.

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