Layers of Trees in the Jungle

Emergent Layer

• The emergent layer is the uppermost layer of jungles and gets the most sun and air. The trees here rise as high as 200 feet and as wide as 16 feet in diameter and are home to a number of wild animals, including monkeys, bats, reptiles and a wide range of birds. The temperature in this layer often sees very high heat during the day before dipping into colder nights. The trees here adapt to this weather with their hardy, small, wax coated foliage that reduces evaporation.

Canopy Layer

• The canopy layer is the second forest layer, with trees that are 90 to 120 feet tall. The canopy layer is full of a diverse range of wildlife including lizards, monkeys, insects and sloths. More species of living things inhabit the canopy layers than any other layer and this dense growth of trees grows like a cover over the forest. Only a portion of sunlight is able to penetrate this layer, casting a dim, green light on the areas below. The canopy layer also wards off heavy winds and rain.

Understory Layer

• The understory layer is the third layer and is a very moist and shady area, mostly containing short trees of less than 60 feet tall and large shrubs. The vegetation in this layer is highly tolerant of the deep shade and high humidity here. This layer also has young trees and a variety of soft-stemmed plants. A number of houseplants are native to the understory layer, as they are accustomed to growing in low light.

Forest Floor

• The forest floor is the last layer of a jungle or forest and is filled with broken leaves and twigs and rotting wood and vegetation. This layer is very dark, as only 50 percent of light from above the forest penetrates it. The air is very humid and still. Common vegetation on the forest floor consists of many species of fungi and other small plants that thrive on the decaying leaves and branches.