A rainforest is a natural forest area that receives above normal amounts of rain. The Earth's rain forests contain around two-thirds of the plant and animal species in the world and are the source of 25% of the ingredients used for pharmaceuticals.
A Tropical Rain forest has more varieties and types of trees than any other area. 40% of the oxygen for the planet earth are produced in rain forests.
There are four different parts of a rain forest. Each part will sustain distinct plants and animals within each layer. Read on to find out more about each layer.
Emergent Layer
Canopy Layer
The canopy layer is the densest layer containing the majority of trees. This layer has 50% of all plant species, and a quarter of all insect species. This canopy effect allows light at the top but reduces it greatly below. Most of the rainforest's animals live in this level. Dendronautics is the science of exploring this layer. The leaves have "drip Spouts" which allows rain to run off which keeps them from forming mildew and mold.
Understory Layer
Forest Floor Layer
The forest floor receives only 2% of the sunlight and consists of decaying animal and plant matter.there are many forms of fungi that inhabit this layer.
Notable Rainforests
Rainforest
Listen to the sounds of the rainforest. The birds the water and the insects making their own symphony of music. The water nurturing the greenery and allowing frogs to live here along with the song birds of the rainforest. This is only the sounds of natural daily life in the rainforest. Enjoy as it fills you with the sounds of this lush environment.
Rainforest pathway
The moisture in the air, the sounds of birds and frogs and thunder fill the air. You come across a path inviting you to come deeper into the rainforest. How can you resist?
Rainforest Books and Merchandise
Amazon.com: Rainforest Books | Rainforest DVDs
Half.com: Rainforest Merchandise
Barnes & Noble: Rainforest Books | Rainforest DVDs
Google Product Search: Rainforest Merchandise
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References
Fast Facts
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Rainforest locations
Found all over the world
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Fact:
Referred to as the Earth's lungs
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Two types
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coverage
Rainforests now cover less than 6% of the Earth's land surface.
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Trees
70% of all plantlife in the Rainforest are trees.
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Rainfall
An average of 50 to 260 inches a year.
