Rainforests
are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent
vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas, and the absence of wildfire. Rainforests
can be classified as tropical rainforests or temperate rainforests, but other
types have been described.
Estimates
vary from 40% to 75% of all biotic species being indigenous to the rainforests.There
may be many millions of species of plants, insects, and microorganisms still
undiscovered in tropical rainforests
Rain
Forest Layers
There
are four major layers in a rain forest: emergent, canopy, understory, and
forest floor. Each layer has unique characteristics based on differing levels
of water, sunlight, and air circulation. While each layer is distinct, they
exist in an interdependent system: processes and species in one layer influence
those in another.
Rain
forest understories are home to some of the most endangered and familiar rain
forest animals—such as forest elephants, pythons, gorillas, and tigers like
this one in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, India.
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