Rainforest

World Map, Biome: Rainforest layer

 

Description

There are two types of rainforests, tropical and temperate. Tropical rainforests are found closer to the equator where it is warm. Temperate rainforests are found near the cooler coastal areas further north or south of the equator.   The tropical rainforest is a hot, moist biome where it rains all year long. It is known for its dense canopies of vegetation that form three different layers. The top layer or canopy contains giant trees that grow to heights of 75 m (about 250 ft) or more. This layer of vegetation prevents much of the sunlight from reaching the ground. Thick, woody vines are also found in the canopy. They climb trees in the canopy to reach for sunlight. The middle layer, or understory, is made up of vines, smaller trees, ferns, and palms. A large number of plants from this level are used as common houseplants. Because of the small amount of sunlight and rainfall these plants receive, they adapt easily to home environments. The bottom layer or floor of the rainforest is covered with wet leaves and leaf litter. This material decomposes rapidly in the wet, warm conditions (like a compost pile) sending nutrients back into the soil. Few plants are found on the floor of the forest due to the lack of sunlight. However, the hot, moist atmosphere and all the dead plant material create the perfect conditions in which bacteria and other microorganisms can thrive.
Type
Biome
   

Temperature

Rainforest Temp
The rainforest biome remains warm all year and must stay frost-free. The average daily temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).  
Precipitation
Rainforests receive the most rain of all of the biomes in a year! A typical year sees 2,000 to 10,000 millimeters (79 to 394 inches) of rain per year.  
Vegetation
Vines, palm trees, orchids, ferns  
Other
There are two types of rainforests, tropical and temperate. Tropical rainforests are found closer to the equator and temperate rainforests are found farther north near coastal areas. The majority of common houseplants come from the rainforest.  
Monthly Temperature & Precipitation
Month Avg. Precipitation (mm) Avg. Temp (°C)
Frostmonth 288 27
Snowmonth 289 27
Winterswane 308 27
Rainmonth 310 27
Palesun 245 27
Highsun 122 27
Firemonth 92 27
Fireswane 68 28
Lowsun 88 28
Redfall 122 28
Leafall 174 28
Fellnight 217 27
  Sum Annual Precip. 2323 mm
Location under

 

Environments

Climate Zones

 
 

Natural Environments

 
 

Artificial Environments

 
 

Other Environments

 
 

Climate Zones

 
 

Natural Environments

 
 

Artificial Environments

 
 

Other Environments

 
 
 
 
 

See Also: