An Introduction to the Rainforest for Mrs. Walker’s Fourth Grade

Rainforests are: *dense, wet, warm forests. *habitats for millions of plants and animals. *places where plants generate oxygen. *home to plants which may give us medicines.

Strata (Layers or Zones)  Emergent  Canopy  Understory  Forest Floor (see left)

Emergent Layer  The emergent layer has giant trees, taller than the canopy. It is home to animals such as birds, like this toucan, and insects.

Canopy Layer  The canopy is the upper layer of the majority of the trees.  It is a place where animals can enjoy the leaves. Some animals at this layer are insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Understory Layer  The understory layer is below the trees, but above the forest floor. It is darker and cooler here than it is in other areas of the rainforest.

Forest Floor Layer  The forest floor is the place to find animals large and small. For example, the forest floor may be home to jaguars or many insects.

Links to rainforest websites  Read “All About Rainforests”All About Rainforests  Click on an animal and learn facts about it. You can even get a coloring page to print if you like. Click on an animal