The New Childrens Encyclopedia

SLEEP AND DREAMS

67

FORESTS

CANOPYthis layer is full of animals,

birds, climbing plants, and orchids.

UNDERSTORYprovides homes for

snakes and lizards and cover for predators.

SHRUB LAYERconsists of saplings

and broad-leaved shrubs.

FOREST FLOORreceives little light

and is covered in decaying plant material.

 SQUIRRELS are experts at breaking open

cones. Their sharp teeth can gnaw through the

woody casing to expose the seeds.

 BUTTERFLIES are
important pollinators
of rain forest flowers
high up in the
canopy. The
caterpillars of
this postman
butterfly feed
on passion
flower vine
leaves.

 FUNGI

are useful in

forests. They

break down

rotting trees

and leaves and

provide food

for animals

and insects.

 CONIFERS

protect their

seeds in cones.

UNDER THREAT: DEFORESTATION

Forests face a number of threats. Large areas of the Amazon

rain forest are being cleared to provide land for cattle

ranching and soybean production. Other forests are logged

for their valuable timber or for fuel. This can have a

devastating effect on the forest ecosystem. Animals lose

their homes and food supply, and the changing conditions

affect plant growth. Some forests are planted to produce wood,

but these lack much of the native wildlife of natural forest.

EMERGENTSthe tallest trees are

home to butterflies, eagles, and bats.

AND ECOLOGYENVIRONMENT

Cone

RAIN FOREST LAYERS

Seeds

(c) 2012 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.(c) 2012 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.