The Rainforest Ms. Steben 4 th Grade Whiting Lane Elementary

What is a Rainforest? A rainforest is a heavily dense evergreen forest found in tropical regions of the world. They are primarily characterized by a high amount of annual rainfall. They accumulate an average of 160 inches per year! In order to be labeled as a rainforest, the area is required to accumulate at least 80 inches of rain per year. The average temperature in rainforests vary between degrees F (do you remember what the F and C stand for? think about our climate lesson!)

Where in the world... are rainforests located? o The largest rainforest, called the Amazon rainforest, is found in South America. o Other large rainforests are found in: Brazil Congo Indonesia Peru Bolivia Angola Venezuela Papua New Guinea Mexico India

4 Layers of the Rainforest Understory Growth is limited here because of the lack of sunlight. Young trees and shrubs are seen here Understory Growth is limited here because of the lack of sunlight. Young trees and shrubs are seen here Emergent trees This layer has trees that were able to grow tall enough to reach above the canopy Emergent trees This layer has trees that were able to grow tall enough to reach above the canopy Canopy At this top layer you will find the tops of the trees Canopy At this top layer you will find the tops of the trees Forest floor On the forest floor you will find branches, leaves and a few animals. Decomposition of the rainforest takes place here Forest Floor Canopy

Creatures of the Rainforest More than half of the worlds plant and animals species live in the rainforest! Some examples are: Mammal: Sloth Birds: Keel-Billed Toucan Reptiles/Amphibians: Monkey Frog Fish: Angelfish Insects: Tiger Longwing HW Assignment: List some examples of these types of animals that are found in the United States (last weeks lesson!) Keel-Billed Toucan Monkey Frog

Harming the Rainforest Rainforests are unique places found on our planet, but.. They are in danger! Rainforests are being destroyed because of these reasons: -Animals species are declining in population and even becoming extinct -Humans are cutting down the forest trees and using the wood and land for their own use -There is an increasing amount of pollution due to human activity -Animals are also being killed and used to create luxury clothing -Climate change

Fun fact: These foods have all originated from plants in the rainforest! Brazil Nuts Cashews Peanuts Pineapples Bananas Lemons Rice Avocados Onions Tomatoes Ginger Cinnamon Vanilla Brail nuts Cinnamon