Download Location and Climate

The Tropical Rain Forest
Facts and Information
Location and Climate
Millions of years ago, much of the
world was covered by tropical
rain forests. Today, only about
6 percent of the Earth is rain
forest land. This is because of
climatic changes. The remaining
tropical rain forests can be found near the equator
where the sun shines more directly. South
America, Africa, southern Asia and Hawaii are
places where you can visit the tropical rain forest.
The climate in the tropical rain forest is, of course,
rainy! It rains nearly every day here. This biome
receives an average of about 200 centimeters of
precipitation (rain) per year. Being near the
equator and all the direct sunlight, the tropical rain
forest stays at a fairly constant temperature,
around 80˚F all year. With the
large amount of rainfall and
the warm temperature, relative
humidity is high, giving the
tropical rain forest a warm,
damp complexion all the time.
Rain Forest Plants
The constant warmth and moisture make the rain
forest great for growing plants. It is believed that 50
percent of all plant species in the entire world can
be found in the tropical rain forest. The growing
season is year-round in the rain forest. Because of
this, the trees are evergreen or green all the time.
The rain forest is divided into three distinct vertical
zones. The forest floor, where almost no light
reaches, contains very few
plants. Plants that live here
are adapted to the dark by
having large leaves to
absorb what little sunlight
reaches this area. The midlayer is home to many
species. The topmost part of
the forest, the canopy is home to species, as well.
Some plants that grow in the rain forest include:
teak trees, mahogany trees, bamboo, sugar cane,
vanilla, banana trees, ginger, bromeliads,
peppers, orchids, banyan trees, palm trees,
mangrove trees, coffee, many fruit trees, lots of
vines and numerous flowering plants, to name only
a few! Another adaptation of rain forest plants is the
ability to efficiently shed excess water. Pointy leaf
tips help do this.
Rain Forest Animals
Because of the huge number of plants,
the tropical rain forest is home to
hundreds of interesting and unusual
animals. In fact, more than half of all
the animal species on earth can be
found here. As you move through the
different rain forest zones, the animal life
changes, too. At the top of the forest, you can
find harpy eagles, howler monkeys, snakes, bats,
spider monkeys, sloths, tree frogs,
margay
cats,
toucans,
parrots,
hummingbirds, and lizards. The midlayers are home to animals such as
butterflies, termites, toads, frogs,
snakes, lizards and parakeets. The
dark forest floor provides food for
armadillos, peccaries (pig-like
animals), slugs, beetles, centipedes
and cockroaches. Insects and birds
can be found at all levels of the rain forest. Animals
of the rain forest have many adaptations including
camouflage (blending in), warning coloration
(brightly colored) and mimicry (looking like
something else).