1. Layers of the Rainforest Animals & Their Environment 2016

2. Four “basic” layers of the rainforest The rainforest has 4 basic layers Plants and animal have adapted to the various layers Each layer has a “MICROCLIMATE”

3. What is a MICROCLIMATE? First – let’s define “CLIMATE” Weather conditions, typically over a long period of time Rain, winds, temperature, humidity, etc. Microclimate is a smaller climate. May exist in just a tiny area (side of a building) Warmer/cooler, wetter/dryer, sunny/shady

4. Four layers of the rainforest

5. Let’s investigate each layer and it’s microclimate

6. EMERGENT LAYER Also called the “overstory” Trees that top the canopy Can reach heights of 210’ FULL sun Drier environment with higher winds Birds of prey depend on this layer

7. Emergent Layer Animals and birds that live up here are very light weight Climate conditions are variable and change often Diameter of trees that grow into this layer can be 16’ Hummingbirds and butterflies are prevalent in this layer The Macaw nests in holes in the trunks of these trees Sloths and spider monkeys live up in this layer

8. Canopy Layer Contains the majority of the trees of the rainforest Light is abundant (on top) Trees adapted to intense sunlight Drip Tip – funnels rain water off the leaf down to the forest below

9. Canopy 80% of the sunlight is absorbed by this layer Most of the rainfall is absorbed by this layer, the floor gets what drips off Food is plentiful for animals in this layer Many animals use this layer as shelter from predators Animals fly, jump, hop, and glide to move through this layer Microclimates change depending on the part of the layer Topmost – hot, dry, sunny, windy Lower – cooler, more humid, less sunlight, less wind

10. Understory Contains short trees, young trees, shrubs, and the trunks of the canopy and emergent trees Limited sunlight Dense shade is common under the canopy

11. Understory Receives less than 5% of the sunlight coming into the forest Little or no wind, very hot and humid as moisture is “trapped” Leaves of the plants are dark, and large to absorb more sunlight Growth not as thick, or dense, as upper layers as insufficient light to support growth Insects, especially mosquitoes, enjoy this dark, humid environment – prey of birds and geckos Common animals are bats, monkeys, jaguars, snakes, lizards, frogs Camouflage is the key adaptation of species in this layer (both predator and prey) Competition for food is fierce at this level

12. The Forest Floor Includes the rivers and streams of the forest Less than 2% of the light ever reaches the forest floor Very little vegetation Filled with decaying plant and animal matter Fungus and moss are common

13. Forest Floor Dark and humid (95% humidity is not uncommon) Only rainwater to reach the floor comes from the tree trunks dripping down Very little vegetation, seeds lie dormant until an opening in the canopy appears (tree dies) Largest animals live on the forest floor, mainly carnivores and herbivores Jungle cats, rainforest pigs (warthogs, wild boar), reptiles, insects Army ants – will eat anything they come in contact with - even humans! Fish and other aquatic species in the rivers, lakes, and streams

14. Life in the rainforest Insects make up the majority of animals that live in tropical forests All animals make adaptations to survive in the rainforest Color – to blend in or stand out Patterns – to blend in and hide Vocalizations – typically loud to communicate Diets – adapt to the level they live in – fruits, insects, prey species available