Climate & Environment
Location
Tropical rainforests are found around the equator (0˚ latitude). Most are found in an area of 3,000 miles called the "tropics" between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5˚N latitude) and Tropic of Capricorn (23.5˚ S latitude). These rainforests are in South and Central America, the islands near Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Tropical rainforests are found around the equator (0˚ latitude). Most are found in an area of 3,000 miles called the "tropics" between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5˚N latitude) and Tropic of Capricorn (23.5˚ S latitude). These rainforests are in South and Central America, the islands near Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Temperature & Weather
In general rainforests are wet and warm. The temperature averages between 70 to 85˚F. And, they usually have two seasons: one wet and one dry. In tropical rainforests, there are really no seasonal weather changes. This is because the tropics are around the equator, where the temperatures are high throughout the year.The hot temperature speeds up water evaporation which causes lots of rain. So, most of the time, it rains in a tropical rainforest. Each year they get more than 80 inches of rain. At times it can rain very hard with 2 inches of rain in just one hour. Rainforests don't have as much extreme weather as other areas. However, the Amazon rainforest do have periods of drought; and, Asian rainforests have monsoons.
In general rainforests are wet and warm. The temperature averages between 70 to 85˚F. And, they usually have two seasons: one wet and one dry. In tropical rainforests, there are really no seasonal weather changes. This is because the tropics are around the equator, where the temperatures are high throughout the year.The hot temperature speeds up water evaporation which causes lots of rain. So, most of the time, it rains in a tropical rainforest. Each year they get more than 80 inches of rain. At times it can rain very hard with 2 inches of rain in just one hour. Rainforests don't have as much extreme weather as other areas. However, the Amazon rainforest do have periods of drought; and, Asian rainforests have monsoons.
Levels
There are for levels, or strata, in a rainforest. Plants and animals can be found in each of these levels.
There are for levels, or strata, in a rainforest. Plants and animals can be found in each of these levels.
- Emergents - giant trees that are taller than those in canopy level. Many birds and insects can be found here.
- Canopy - the upper section of the average-height trees. Tons of birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals live here.
- Understory - a dark and cool area under the canopy leaves but above the ground.
- Forest Floor - the ground level of the rainforest. Many animals can be found on this level. It is also home to the largest animals.