Plant Life In The Tropical Rainforest
Plant Life in the Tropical Rainforest varies from different types of plants due to their geography, and climate change. Majority of the tropical rainforest plants have a smooth and thin bark. This is because, they are already exposed to warm, humid and wet conditions. Based on the plant growth habit, there are four strata in the tropical rainforest biome. Starting from the top, the first is called emergent layer, second is canopy layer, third is understory layer and the last is forest floor. The trees in the emergent layer measure a height of about 100-140 feet, and receive optimal sunlight. They show umbrella growth habit and develop maximum branches in the top portion. These tall trees are adapted for strong winds and exposure to hot conditions. The second stratum is the canopy layer of the rainforest, which represents broad-leaved trees of about 90 feet height. They are mostly of evergreen types and form a dense layer just below the emergent trees.The understory or lower canopy layer receives minimal light, less air circulation and very high humidity. Hence, shade loving, tropical rainforest plants of about 60 feet height grow in this layer. The lowest layer is the forest floor, which hardly receives 2 percent light. As a consequence, there is hardly any plant in this layer.The liana is a common plant of the tropical rainforest biome. This vine twines the tall trees and reaches the top height, where it receives sunlight for food production. Likewise, there are orchids and epiphytes that attach to the tall plants at specific heights. There is also carnivorous plants in the tropical rainforest like a Venus fly trap they eat insects an small flying bus that go by it. Depending on the size of the plant depends what it will kill an eat.