Rainforest Stratas (Layers)
1. Emergent Layer: Tallest trees in the rainforest (typically over 200 feet) with trunks about 16 feet around. This layer gets the most sunlight. The trees in this layer do not typically have branches below the canopy layer. Many birds and insects and small mammals such as monkeys live in this layer.
2. Canopy Layer: Sometimes called the "Umbrella" layer. Generally from 60-130 feet above the ground and is the home to many birds, mammals, insects, and arachnids. This layer is very humid, and heavy rainfall and strong winds are common.
3. Understory/Shrub Layer: This layer gets little sunlight so has little plant diversity. There are typically small trees, shrubs, vines, and non-flowering plants in this layer. This area is fairly cool due to the lack of sunlight. It is home to many insects and birds.
4. Forest Floor: The most humid layer of the rainforest. No grass grows here, but the ground is covered in rotting leaves, twigs, and dead plants and flowers. Many insects and arachnids live on the forest floor. Some larger animals such as jaguars, pumas, gorillas, large snakes (like the anaconda), and even humans live in this layer.
2. Canopy Layer: Sometimes called the "Umbrella" layer. Generally from 60-130 feet above the ground and is the home to many birds, mammals, insects, and arachnids. This layer is very humid, and heavy rainfall and strong winds are common.
3. Understory/Shrub Layer: This layer gets little sunlight so has little plant diversity. There are typically small trees, shrubs, vines, and non-flowering plants in this layer. This area is fairly cool due to the lack of sunlight. It is home to many insects and birds.
4. Forest Floor: The most humid layer of the rainforest. No grass grows here, but the ground is covered in rotting leaves, twigs, and dead plants and flowers. Many insects and arachnids live on the forest floor. Some larger animals such as jaguars, pumas, gorillas, large snakes (like the anaconda), and even humans live in this layer.