Hobbies And Interests
Emergent Layer
The emergent layer of a forest is where the tallest trees grow and receive the most sunlight of any trees in the forest. These trees can exist where it is drier, hotter and windier and usually have deep, thick roots and mushroom-shaped treetops. Large birds of prey and bats usually inhabit these trees, due to the lack of predators and vantage on huge areas of a forest.
Canopy Layer
The canopy layer is the most recognizable feature of forests, especially the rain forest. On this layer, the treetops are adapted to grow closely together to absorb as much sunlight as possible. This layer respires absorbed carbon dioxide as dioxygen through the leaves by way of photosynthesis. The leaves on these types of trees are shaped in such a way that allow water to trickle off of them to the forest floor, conserving this source of nourishment by feeding the roots. Over half the biodiversity of the forest exists in the canopy, and is home to most birds, monkeys, snakes, rodents and some insects.
Understory Layer
The understory layer is host to herbs, shrubs, plants, vines, fungi, flowers, grasses and ferns. Many terrestrial animals, particularly larger animals -- such as wild pigs, snakes, sloths, big cats, deer, bears and large apes -- live, hunt and graze in this part of the biome. Most houseplants are the types of plants you'd find in the understory layer of the forest.
Floor Layer
The floor layer varies, depending on the type of forest. It always receives the least amount of light and is home to most of the insects in a forest that burrow and thrive off decomposing organic matter. In every type of forest, the floor layer is made up of fallen leaves and other decomposing organisms that are recycled gradually into nutrient-rich soil that is held together by the extensive root networks of all of the plants and trees and is fed by the water that drips from the canopy.