Tropical Rainforests

Tropical rainforests are thick, green forests that grow near the equator. They get lots of rain and stay warm all year long. These forests are home to more kinds of plants and animals than anywhere else on Earth. Even though they cover a small part of the land, they are very important to our planet.

Layers of the Rainforest

A tropical rainforest has four main layers. The tallest trees poke above the rest and form the emergent layer. Below that is the canopy, where most animals live. The understory is darker and cooler, with shorter plants and small trees. The forest floor is covered in fallen leaves and is home to insects and fungi.

Why Rainforests Matter

Rainforests help control the world's climate by soaking up carbon dioxide. They also release oxygen that we need to breathe. Many medicines come from rainforest plants. Sadly, people cut down rainforests for wood and farmland. Protecting these forests helps keep the whole planet healthy.

Fun Facts

• Tropical rainforests get between 80 and 400 inches of rain every year!
• About half of the world's plant and animal species live in tropical rainforests.
• The Amazon rainforest produces about 20 percent of the world's oxygen.

Did You Know?

Some rainforest trees grow so tall that it can take a raindrop 10 minutes to fall from the top to the ground!