Tropical Rainforest Biome

Tropical rainforests are found near the equator where it is warm and rainy all year. They are home to more plant and animal species than any other place on Earth. The trees grow so tall and thick that little sunlight reaches the ground. Rainforests are sometimes called the lungs of the Earth.

Layers of the Rainforest

Rainforests have four layers. The emergent layer has the tallest trees that poke above the canopy. The canopy is a thick roof of leaves where most animals live. The understory is shady and full of smaller plants. The forest floor is dark and covered with fallen leaves.

Why Rainforests Matter

Rainforests produce a large amount of the world's oxygen. They soak up carbon dioxide, which helps fight climate change. Many medicines come from rainforest plants. Sadly, rainforests are being cut down, and we need to protect them.

Fun Facts

• Tropical rainforests cover only about 6 percent of Earth but hold more than half of all plant and animal species.
• It can take 10 minutes for rain to reach the ground through the thick canopy.
• The Amazon Rainforest is so big it could cover most of the United States.

Did You Know?

One square mile of rainforest can be home to more than 1,000 different tree species! A typical forest in North America might have only 20 to 30 tree species.