Tropical rainforests cover only 7% of the Earth’s land surface, but contain the most biodiversity (variety of living things) of any biome on the planet — estimated to be over 30 million species of plants and animals. These unique environments are found near to the equator due to its tropical climate.
Tropical rainforests tend to have four distinct layers, as shown in Figure 1. Each layer has distinct characteristics, which link to the amount of sunlight, water and air circulation they receive. For example, the tallest layers are the emergent and canopy layer, which access the most sunlight and air circulation, resulting in trees having supportive buttress roots, waxy small leaves to cope with high precipitation and much fruit and nuts. Whereas the understory and forest floor is darker, more humid and protected from the heavy rainfall by the canopy above. Trees here have larger leaves to capture as much sunlight as possible and bright flowers to attract pollinating insects.
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