RAINFOREST ECOSYSTEMS
Rainforest ecosystems are found near the equator, the center imaginary line of latitude that runs east and west around Earth. Tropical rainforests have more rain than other areas. The weather is warm and humid all year long. There is lots of sunlight.
Living things are plenty in the rainforests. There are thousands of species of animals and even more kinds of plants. Their needs for sun, water and warmth are all met by the conditions of the rainforest. The excellent conditions allow them to grow up. There is an amazing amount and variety of plants in that one location. This variety makes the rainforests a major source of Earth's overall oxygen supply.

Tropical rainforests have layers of life. The uppermost layer is called the canopy. Very mature, tall trees out their branches and leaves, nearly blocking out the sun in some places. Many animals live high in this green, leafy habitat. you can find monkeys, tree frogs and many different species of birds.
Below the treetops is a second layer, called the understory. The understory is shaded by the canopy. Not as much sunlight reaches the plants in the understory. Bushes and growing trees make up the understory. It is home to birds, reptiles and small climbing animals.
The third layer, the forest floor, is busy with life. Vines, shrubs, mosses, ferns, flowers and large predator animals, such as jaguars, can be found there. Small animals dig into the ground and live in bushes. Leaf-cutter ants and other insects busily hunt for food and water.