Layers of the Rainforest

We all know that the atmosphere is divided into different layers, however, are we aware that even the rainforests are divided into various layers to get a better understanding of the plants of the rainforest. The facts about rainforests are quite intriguing and by dividing it into layers, we have a better opportunity to learn more about the different environment and life forms existing in these layers.

Rainforests are called so because these forests receive large amounts of rainfall every year (more than 250 cms). These warm, dense and wet forests are very important for human sustenance as the plants of the rainforest are responsible for generation of large volumes of oxygen. Although these forests cover only 6% of the Earth's surface, they comprise over half the numbers of animal and plant species on the planet.

The rainforest is divided into four main layers, which differ in the amount of sunlight they receive, the surrounding temperature, the life forms dwelling in them, the humidity levels, etc. We will look at the four rainforest layers from the top to the bottom.

Emergent Layer
The extreme top portion of the rainforest is called the emergent layer, which comprises tall trees sticking out from the rest of the tree population. These emergent trees form the emergent layer or the top layer of the rainforest and take the beatings from all sorts of bad weather such as scorching heat, wild wind and storm, etc. Since these trees reach great heights with no other layer above them, they have the liberty to spread out their branches and foliage wide enough so that their leaves receive maximum sunlight.

Several emergent trees produce seeds with wings, thus, reproduction becomes easier with the help of wind. The emergent layer houses wildlife such as capuchin monkeys, macaw, snakes, sloths, birds like hummingbirds and eagles, butterflies, bats, bugs, etc. Since the branches are not very sturdy, heavier animals do not dwell in this emergent layer. This is even better for the animals and birds living there as they can enjoy safe haven away from their nasty predators.

Canopy Layer
Directly beneath the top emergent layer is the canopy layer, which comprises trees that are about 65 to 130 feet tall. This layer is formed by a thick, dense mesh of branches and leaves that intertwine together to form an umbrella type over the other plants and trees growing on the forest floor. The foliage of trees forming the canopy act as filters and allow only part of the sunlight falling on them to permeate to the lower layers. Because of this the underlying layers only receive flecks of direct sunlight and happen to appear greenish and dim. Similarly the canopy also reduces the intensity of rain to a great extent, thereby preventing heavy rains to fall on the underlying plant layers.

The leaves of the trees in this layer have narrow tips for the water to drip off, as stagnant water pools on the leaves will simply conduce to algae and liverwort growth. The trees in this canopy layer depend on animals for seed dispersion. Their seeds get stuck to the coats and fur of animals and get transported from one place to another. Some succulent fruits comprise scores of seeds, which when eaten by the animals gets thrown out of the body in the form of fecal matter and begins to grow elsewhere. As far as animal species are concerned, these trees are home to several species of monkeys like the howler monkeys, spider monkeys, etc. Then there are a large variety of insects thriving in this layer. In Panama, scientists stumbled upon 950 species of beetle on one tree alone. Many animals such toucans, snakes, tree frogs, etc. dwell in this area.

Understory Layer
This layer forms the third layer from the top of the rainforest and is a layer comprising young trees, shrubs, soft-stemmed plants, etc. Since this layer is shielded to a great extent from wind, rain and sunlight by the canopy layer, the plants of this layer appear dark and green. The flora in this layer have large, conspicuous flowers to attract insects to come and suck nectar and in return help in pollination. The insects in this layer are well camouflaged to resemble sticks or leaves. They may even pass off as bird droppings or poisonous animals. Snakes, jaguars, bats, birds, frogs, salamanders, etc. are found dwelling here.

Forest Floor
The final layer of the rainforest is the forest floor, which forms the base of the dense, wet and warm rainforest. This layer is quite dark and dingy, which is quite obvious as one can imagine how much sunlight actually reaches the forest floor after being filtered through three thick layers above. The plant species living here is basically the fungi variety which thrive on dead and decaying matter falling from the trees above. The decomposing flora matter also forms a source of nutrition to insects like beetles, earthworms, scorpions, millipedes, termites, sloths, etc. Jaguars, gorillas, leopards, armadillos, tigers, elephants and scores of other animals dwell on the forest floor.

The rainforests are very important for our existence on the Earth. The oxygen released by these plants is what we require to live. Let's not forget how they form vital part of our ecosystem. Moreover, we also receive abundant stuff from these forests which helps us live better lives on this planet such as medicines, fruits, rubber, bamboo, spices, sugar, chocolates, etc. The layers envelope awesome plant and animal species and we need to preserve them!