Understory Layer
The understory is a hopping place. This layer is full of animal and plant life. This layer lies between the canopy and the forest floor. Little sunlight reaches this layer and it relies on dripping water from above.
Animals
Many insects call this layer home. Including bees, stick insects, bullet ants, beetles, mosquitoes, and about 150 different types of butterflies. Animals like jaguars use their spots to blend into the leaves, allowing them the time to watch and wait for their pray. Animals that need lots of humidity, or moist air, also live in this layer to keep their skin from drying out. |
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Plant Life
Little sunlight reaches this layer. In the understory, small palms, young canopy trees and woody shrubs only grow to a height of about 15 feet. Some of the trees grow slowly for decades until a canopy tree dies and falls. Then the sunlight can enter the understory allowing that tree to grow quickly to replace the fallen one. Trees in this layer often have big leaves to help absorb sunlight. Plants also provide cover for animals in this area. |
Climate and Temperature
The temperature continues to remain above 80 degrees with the humidity very high. The hot humid air gets trapped in the undergrowth. Plants and animals rely on rainwater dripping down from the emergent and canopy layer.
The temperature continues to remain above 80 degrees with the humidity very high. The hot humid air gets trapped in the undergrowth. Plants and animals rely on rainwater dripping down from the emergent and canopy layer.