There are many kinds of rainforests globally, and most of them stay green throughout the year. If you have been looking for some interesting facts about rainforests for kids, you’re at the right place? If you want to upgrade their knowledge, you need to teach children some rare facts about the unique rainforest ecosystem concentrated in only a few areas of the world. We compiled below a list of fun facts about the species of flora and fauna found in this forest and their specific characteristics. So, enlighten your child about the natural resources we get from rainforests and how to conserve this precious forest cover. These incredible facts we have here are mind-boggling and perhaps ones that you’ve never heard of before. Read on to know more about this fascinating ecosystem and be wowed!
Types Of Rainforests
There are two main types of rainforests, temperate rainforests, and tropical rainforests. Temperate rainforests are found near the coasts of the temperate zones, and tropical rainforests are found close to the equator. The tropical rainforests remain warm and lush all year round, with the average temperature being anywhere between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures do not change much between day and night. Even the environment is wet in the tropical rainforest, with a humidity of 77% to 87% all day round. The temperate rainforests are not as extensive as the tropical rainforest, primarily because of the cold weather. The temperate forests also get a lot of rain, but because they are not as warm as the tropical rainforests, they are not many plants. There are around 10 to 20 species of trees found in the temperate rainforests. Most of the trees in the temperate rainforests have broad instead of the needle leaves.
Rainforest Facts For Kids
Do you want to know a bit more about the residence of the three-toed sloth and scarlet macaw? Then here are some more fun rainforest facts for children.
What Creates A Rainforest?
Each of the rainforest found on the surface of the earth is unique, but certain features are commonplace to all. Here are a few common things that make a rainforest:
1. Location:
Almost all the rain forests fall in the tropics.
2. Rain:
The rain forests get around 80 inches or 20 cm of rain every year.
3. Canopy:
Canopy is another characteristic feature of the rainforest. A canopy is a layer of leaves and branches formed due to the closely spaced rain forest trees.
4. Biodiversity:
Rain forests have a broad range of biodiversity. Scientists and geologist opine that around half of plants and animals species on the earth’s surface thrive in the rainforests.
5. Symbiotic Relationship:
The species found in the rainforest work together. For instance- some of the plants found in the rainforests make tiny, house-like structures for the ants. These tiny creatures return the favor by ticking away the insects that try to devour the leaves.
Why Do Rainforests Have A Wide Range Of Animals And Plants?
Tropical rainforests all around the world sustain the hugest diversity of living organism. Even though the rainforests cover less than 2% of the earth’s surface, they contain more than 50% of animals and plant species on the land. The reason for such an extensive profusion of plants and animals in the rainforest are:
1. Climate:
Rain forests receive loads of sunlight for being located in the tropical region. The sunlight is transformed into energy by the plants during the process of photosynthesis. This process encourages plant growth in the rain forests.
2. Canopy:
The canopy is another major reason for the abundance of plants and animal species. The canopy gives food and shelter to the animals, enabling interaction between the different species. Bromeliads, a type of plant in the canopy store water in the leaves, which frogs and other animals use for hunting and laying the eggs.
Importance of Rainforest
1. Reservoir Of Genetic Diversity:
Rainforests act as a natural reservoir of genetic diversity, offering a rich source of high yielding foods, medicinal plants and a myriad of other useful products.
2. Habitat For Plants And Wildlife:
Rainforests are home to a large number of animals and plant species, including several endangered species. As many as 40 million species of plants and animals live in the tropical forest. Around half of these plant and animal species in the whole world live in the rainforest habitats. These species can survive only in their natural habitat.
3. Climate Stabilizer:
Rainforests are called the lung of the planet because of their role in absorbing huge quantities of carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. The excess amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to climate change. Therefore, rainforests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. But when the rainforests are burned and chopped down, the carbon dioxide stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere, contributing to the climate change. Rainforests also affect the local weather by moderating temperature, creating rainfall, and buffering against drought, erosion, and flood.
4. Help Maintain The Water Cycle:
Distribution Of Rainforest
Despite the significant role of the tropical rainforests, they are restricted just to a small land area between the Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer, near the equator. That’s because the majority of Earth’s and is located north of the tropics. In this region, the sun shines at about the same time all year long, keeping the climate warm and stable. The major areas of tropical rainforests are South and Central America, South East Asia and West Africa. The global distribution of rainforest is broken into four geographical realms based on four continental regions- the Neotropical, The Oriental or Asian, the Ethiopian or Afrotropical and the Australasian or Australian. Over half lies in the Neotropical realm, a quarter in Africa and a fifth in Asia. The remaining 5% are scattered in New Guinea, Australia, and Pacific Islands.
Layers Of Rainforests
There are four layers of rainforest and here is the rainforest layers facts for kids:
1. Emergent Layer:
Emergent is the top layer of the rainforest. Only the tallest trees can reach to this layer. Butterflies, birds, snakes and small monkeys live in this layer.
2. Canopy Layer:
As mentioned earlier, the canopy is the thick foliage of the. Most of the trees grow to this height. Even some plants reach up to the canopy layer, but their roots do not reach the ground. These plants are called air plants. Sloths, monkeys, lizards, snakes and insects live in the canopy layer.
3. Understory Layer:
The understory is the layer where dense vegetation and vines grow. There isn’t much light in this layer. Frogs, snakes, birds, and butterflies live here.
4. Forest Floor:
The rainforest floor is a humid and dark area comprising of dead plants, leaves. The layer is dark because the trees stop the sunlight from entering the forest. Despite being in the constant darkness, the rainforest floor plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystem. Even decomposition takes place on the forest floor. Decomposition is the process by which organic compounds and microorganisms are broken down. The forest floor is also home to wild animals like Asian elephants, jaguars, giraffes, tigers, and tapirs.
What Do We Get From Rainforests?
We get plenty of things from the rainforest, which include:
Medicines
Chocolate, as we all know, is made from cocoa. The cocoa pods grow on trees in the rainforests.
Sugar
Spices including allspice, ginger, coconut, pepper, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, vanilla and clove
Bamboo
Rubber
Why Are Rainforest Being Destroyed?
Every year, a part of the rainforest as large as New Jersey is being destroyed. The animals residing in this area either die or migrate to a new forest. But don’t you wonder why the rainforests are being destroyed? What are the main causes? Human beings are the chief reason for rainforest destruction. People are chopping trees for:
Wood
Agriculture
Land
Pulp for making paper
Road construction
Extraction of energy and minerals
What Can We Do To Help The Rainforests?
One way you can help rainforests is by educating people more and more about plants, animals, and the issues surrounding the deforestation of the rainforests. And most importantly, practice conservation at home.
References:
title: “19 Must Know Rainforest Facts For Kids” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-02” author: “Anthony Nakata”
There are many kinds of rainforests globally, and most of them stay green throughout the year. If you have been looking for some interesting facts about rainforests for kids, you’re at the right place? If you want to upgrade their knowledge, you need to teach children some rare facts about the unique rainforest ecosystem concentrated in only a few areas of the world. We compiled below a list of fun facts about the species of flora and fauna found in this forest and their specific characteristics. So, enlighten your child about the natural resources we get from rainforests and how to conserve this precious forest cover. These incredible facts we have here are mind-boggling and perhaps ones that you’ve never heard of before. Read on to know more about this fascinating ecosystem and be wowed!
Types Of Rainforests
There are two main types of rainforests, temperate rainforests, and tropical rainforests. Temperate rainforests are found near the coasts of the temperate zones, and tropical rainforests are found close to the equator. The tropical rainforests remain warm and lush all year round, with the average temperature being anywhere between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures do not change much between day and night. Even the environment is wet in the tropical rainforest, with a humidity of 77% to 87% all day round. The temperate rainforests are not as extensive as the tropical rainforest, primarily because of the cold weather. The temperate forests also get a lot of rain, but because they are not as warm as the tropical rainforests, they are not many plants. There are around 10 to 20 species of trees found in the temperate rainforests. Most of the trees in the temperate rainforests have broad instead of the needle leaves.
Rainforest Facts For Kids
Do you want to know a bit more about the residence of the three-toed sloth and scarlet macaw? Then here are some more fun rainforest facts for children.
What Creates A Rainforest?
Each of the rainforest found on the surface of the earth is unique, but certain features are commonplace to all. Here are a few common things that make a rainforest:
1. Location:
Almost all the rain forests fall in the tropics.
2. Rain:
The rain forests get around 80 inches or 20 cm of rain every year.
3. Canopy:
Canopy is another characteristic feature of the rainforest. A canopy is a layer of leaves and branches formed due to the closely spaced rain forest trees.
4. Biodiversity:
Rain forests have a broad range of biodiversity. Scientists and geologist opine that around half of plants and animals species on the earth’s surface thrive in the rainforests.
5. Symbiotic Relationship:
The species found in the rainforest work together. For instance- some of the plants found in the rainforests make tiny, house-like structures for the ants. These tiny creatures return the favor by ticking away the insects that try to devour the leaves.
Why Do Rainforests Have A Wide Range Of Animals And Plants?
Tropical rainforests all around the world sustain the hugest diversity of living organism. Even though the rainforests cover less than 2% of the earth’s surface, they contain more than 50% of animals and plant species on the land. The reason for such an extensive profusion of plants and animals in the rainforest are:
1. Climate:
Rain forests receive loads of sunlight for being located in the tropical region. The sunlight is transformed into energy by the plants during the process of photosynthesis. This process encourages plant growth in the rain forests.
2. Canopy:
The canopy is another major reason for the abundance of plants and animal species. The canopy gives food and shelter to the animals, enabling interaction between the different species. Bromeliads, a type of plant in the canopy store water in the leaves, which frogs and other animals use for hunting and laying the eggs.
Importance of Rainforest
1. Reservoir Of Genetic Diversity:
Rainforests act as a natural reservoir of genetic diversity, offering a rich source of high yielding foods, medicinal plants and a myriad of other useful products.
2. Habitat For Plants And Wildlife:
Rainforests are home to a large number of animals and plant species, including several endangered species. As many as 40 million species of plants and animals live in the tropical forest. Around half of these plant and animal species in the whole world live in the rainforest habitats. These species can survive only in their natural habitat.
3. Climate Stabilizer:
Rainforests are called the lung of the planet because of their role in absorbing huge quantities of carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. The excess amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to climate change. Therefore, rainforests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. But when the rainforests are burned and chopped down, the carbon dioxide stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere, contributing to the climate change. Rainforests also affect the local weather by moderating temperature, creating rainfall, and buffering against drought, erosion, and flood.
4. Help Maintain The Water Cycle:
Distribution Of Rainforest
Despite the significant role of the tropical rainforests, they are restricted just to a small land area between the Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer, near the equator. That’s because the majority of Earth’s and is located north of the tropics. In this region, the sun shines at about the same time all year long, keeping the climate warm and stable. The major areas of tropical rainforests are South and Central America, South East Asia and West Africa. The global distribution of rainforest is broken into four geographical realms based on four continental regions- the Neotropical, The Oriental or Asian, the Ethiopian or Afrotropical and the Australasian or Australian. Over half lies in the Neotropical realm, a quarter in Africa and a fifth in Asia. The remaining 5% are scattered in New Guinea, Australia, and Pacific Islands.
Layers Of Rainforests
There are four layers of rainforest and here is the rainforest layers facts for kids:
1. Emergent Layer:
Emergent is the top layer of the rainforest. Only the tallest trees can reach to this layer. Butterflies, birds, snakes and small monkeys live in this layer.
2. Canopy Layer:
As mentioned earlier, the canopy is the thick foliage of the. Most of the trees grow to this height. Even some plants reach up to the canopy layer, but their roots do not reach the ground. These plants are called air plants. Sloths, monkeys, lizards, snakes and insects live in the canopy layer.
3. Understory Layer:
The understory is the layer where dense vegetation and vines grow. There isn’t much light in this layer. Frogs, snakes, birds, and butterflies live here.
4. Forest Floor:
The rainforest floor is a humid and dark area comprising of dead plants, leaves. The layer is dark because the trees stop the sunlight from entering the forest. Despite being in the constant darkness, the rainforest floor plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystem. Even decomposition takes place on the forest floor. Decomposition is the process by which organic compounds and microorganisms are broken down. The forest floor is also home to wild animals like Asian elephants, jaguars, giraffes, tigers, and tapirs.
What Do We Get From Rainforests?
We get plenty of things from the rainforest, which include:
Medicines
Chocolate, as we all know, is made from cocoa. The cocoa pods grow on trees in the rainforests.
Sugar
Spices including allspice, ginger, coconut, pepper, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, vanilla and clove
Bamboo
Rubber
Why Are Rainforest Being Destroyed?
Every year, a part of the rainforest as large as New Jersey is being destroyed. The animals residing in this area either die or migrate to a new forest. But don’t you wonder why the rainforests are being destroyed? What are the main causes? Human beings are the chief reason for rainforest destruction. People are chopping trees for:
Wood
Agriculture
Land
Pulp for making paper
Road construction
Extraction of energy and minerals
What Can We Do To Help The Rainforests?
One way you can help rainforests is by educating people more and more about plants, animals, and the issues surrounding the deforestation of the rainforests. And most importantly, practice conservation at home.
