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

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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