Rainforest Canopy Research

The canopy is the thick layer of treetops in a rainforest. It is like a whole world high above the forest floor. Most of the animals and plants in a rainforest live up in the canopy. Scientists use special tools to explore this hidden world hundreds of feet above the ground.

How Scientists Reach the Canopy

Getting to the canopy is not easy. Scientists climb trees using ropes and harnesses. Some rainforests have walkways and bridges built high in the trees. Researchers also use cranes and hot air balloons to reach the treetops. Drones with cameras fly through the canopy to take pictures and videos.

What Lives in the Canopy

The rainforest canopy is full of life. Monkeys, birds, frogs, and insects live among the branches. Many plants grow on top of other plants to reach the sunlight. Some animals in the canopy never touch the ground their whole lives. Scientists believe many canopy species have not been discovered yet.

Fun Facts

• The rainforest canopy can be 100 to 150 feet above the ground.
• About 90 percent of all rainforest animals live in the canopy.
• Some frogs in the canopy raise their tadpoles in tiny pools of water trapped inside plants.

Did You Know?

Scientists once used a giant inflatable raft placed on top of the canopy so they could walk around and study the treetops.