Rainforest Layers Educational Chart

Teaching kids about the animals present in different layers of the rainforest is a great way to introduce them to the diversity of life in this ecosystem. Here's some more information on the animals that can be found in each layer:

EMERGENT LAYER – The emergent layer is home to many large birds, such as eagles, hawks, and vultures, as well as primates like monkeys and gibbons. Bats also live in this layer and use the tall trees as roosting sites. Butterflies, with their bright colors and patterns, are also common in this layer.

CANOPY LAYER – The canopy layer is home to the most species in the rainforest. This layer is home to many species of birds, such as toucans, parrots, and macaws, as well as mammals like sloths and monkeys. Treefrogs and chameleons can also be found here, as well as a variety of insects and spiders.

UNDERSTORY LAYER – The understory layer is home to many mammals, including jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. Reptiles such as boa constrictors and iguanas also live in this layer. Birds like the quetzal and the tinamou also live here, as do many species of frogs and toads.

FOREST FLOOR – The forest floor is the darkest and most humid layer of the rainforest. It is home to many insects, including ants, termites, and beetles. Mammals like the giant anteater and the armadillo live in this layer, as do reptiles like the caiman and the anaconda. Some birds, like the hoatzin, also live in the forest floor.