Rainforests are divided into the following layers, from the top to bottom: Emergent, Canopy, Understorey, and Forest floor.
Emergent layer
This topmost layer has the tallest of trees. Broad-leaved to trap in maximum sunlight, they can rise to an astounding height of about 50 m with trunk perimeters measuring up to 4 m!
Canopy layer
The most important of all layers, its trees have smooth, oval-leaved branches that spread a canopied roof over subsequent layers. Trunks and branches host many epiphytic plants. It is estimated that 50 per cent of the Earth’s plant species and around 25 per cent of its insect varieties thrive in this layer. Snakes, toucans, and tree frogs flourish here because of the abundance of food.
Understorey layer
The amount of sunlight that penetrates to this third layer is minimal and hence, trees have to grow larger leaves to collect as much sunlight as possible. Various insect species and animals such as tree frogs and jaguars (except in Australia) are found in this layer.
Forest floor layer
Of all the layers, this is the darkest one, making it extremely difficult for plants to grow. Biotic matter can decay in a matter of just a few days! Bush turkeys, lyrebirds and the like are found to exist here.
Picture Credit : Google
