Natural Regions of the World — Question 4

The vegetation found in the tropical rainforests shows four distinct layers-

1. Emergent layer — It is at the edge of the forest and has trees like the kapok and mahogany which reach up to the height of over 50 metres.
2. Canopy layer — It is the top layer, formed by the crowns of trees which grow close together. The canopy blocks out sunshine and wind.
3. Understorey layer — Since the light is blocked by canopy, the plants in this layer, have larger leaves to maximise the light to be absorbed.
4. Bottom layer — The forest floor has ferns and shrubs as well as climbers.

The main trees of rainforests include ebony, mahogany, cinchona, green heart, rosewood and rubber.