The Rainforest Biome

The tropical rainforests of the world are located in the green areas on the map above. The tropical rainforest is the richest source of life on earth. It is a treasure chest of plant and animal life. What is a tropical rain forest? Where are they located? Why are they so important? You will learn the answers to these and many more exciting questions here.

Climate
The seasons do not change in the tropical rain forest. It has been hot and wet for millions of years. The average temperature year-round is about 80 degrees. The tropical rain forest is the wettest place on earth. It rains every day. In one year it may rain about 100 to 400 inches. This means that 9 to 30 feet of rain may fall each year.
Plants

• The tropical rain forest is the richest source of plant life on earth. There are so many different kinds of plants there, scientists don't even know them all yet. It is a perfect place for growing plants. The average temperature is 70 to 90 degrees and there is plenty of water.
• There are many kinds of vines and ferns which connect the layers of the rain forest. Mushrooms and herbs grow on the florest floor. People can learn to gather fruits and nuts for food, as well as plants for medicine, without harming the rain forest. Rain forest people have done this for thousands of years.

Animals

MAMMALS
Bats,Chimpanzee,Jaguar,Lemur,Leopard,Mice,Opossum,Sloth,Squirrel
REPTILES
Lizard,Snake,Turtle
AMPHIBIANS
Frog,Salamander
BIRDS
Bird of Paradise,Cockatoo,Eagle,Hummingbird,Macaw,Parrot,Peacock,Toucan
INSECTS
Ant,Beetle,Butterfly,Snail,Spider,Termite