Tropical rainforest

Tropical Rainforests

Tropical rainforests are warm, wet forests full of life. They are found close to the Equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. These forests are hot all year, with temperatures above 18 °C (64 °F), and they get lots of rain—sometimes more than 10 meters each year!

These forests are home to many plants and animals. Scientists say rainforests contain half of all the world’s species. You can find amazing insects, tall trees, colorful birds, and even big animals like gorillas living here. People call rainforests the “world’s largest pharmacy” because many medicines come from plants found in these forests.

Rainforests have special layers. The top layer has very tall trees. Below that is the canopy, full of leaves and branches where many animals live. The understory layer has shade-tolerant plants and animals like frogs and small mammals. Finally, the forest floor is dark and quiet, with few plants but some special animals walking around.

For thousands of years, many indigenous peoples have lived in rainforests. They use the forest for food, homes, and many things. Rainforests also give us foods like coffee, chocolate, and banana. These forests help our planet by storing carbon and influencing weather.

People work hard to protect rainforests. Some programs, like Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD and REDD+), help save these special places so they can stay healthy for animals, plants, and people all over the world.