Forest floor

What is the Forest Floor?

The forest floor is the soft, green, and sometimes brown bottom part of a forest ecosystem. It is covered with leaves, small plants, and bits of old wood. This special layer helps keep the forest healthy.

Tiny Helpers

Many tiny creatures live on the forest floor, like invertebrates, fungi, and bacteria. They help break down old leaves and plants, which gives the soil new food so new plants can grow.

Different Forests, Different Floors

The forest floor looks different in different places. In cool boreal forests, it is often thick with leaves that stay for a long time. In warm tropical forests, the floor is thinner because leaves break down quickly. Everywhere, the forest floor is an important home for many small plants and animals.