Rain forests are characterized by their lush, fertile, verdant quality. Little sunlight reaches the ground because of the dense canopy of leaves above, but even with that lack of sunlight, there is intense growth on the forest floor. Innumerable species of trees, ferns, shrubs and other plants thrive. Redwood and spruce trees are common. The rain forest produces an abundance of exotic fruits as well.
From the floor to the canopy exist a wide variety of animals. Monkeys, tropical birds, bats and sloths occupy the upper reaches of the rain forest. Jaguars, wolves and martens prowl along the bottom. Animal life includes monkeys, parrots, jaguars and bats. From the reptile class are lizards, turtles and snakes. Many species of insect, including termites and beetles, live in the trees and soil.
Tropical rain forests have an unchanging climate throughout the year. There are no seasons as in other biomes. The temperature hovers around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain forests are very wet, receiving up to 30 feet of rainfall annually.
The rain forest is composed of four layers. At the top is the emergent layer, where the tallest trees exist. The canopy forms the next layer. Tree branches support other vegetation in a dense cloak of plant life that grows together. The middle layer is known as the understory and is home to smaller vegetation. Little sunlight penetrates this level. The forest floor comprises the bottom layer. Fruits, leaves, nuts and plant matter that falls from above provides an abundant food supply for animals who live there.