Rainforest Animals
The Rainforest is home to half of all animal and plant species. There are two kinds of rainforests: tropical, which are warmer and closer to the equator, and temperate, which are found above and below the equator in coastal regions. The rainforest is the oldest and most biodiverse ecosystem, with scientists estimating some forests in Southeast Asia having existed 100 million years ago. The trees in the rainforest can reach heights of 250 feet with dense canopy cover, which results in a lack of sunlight reaching the forest floor. Due to the intense thickness of trees in the rainforest, many animals living here have adapted to climbing and living in trees.
Animals adapt in the rainforest through multiple physical adaptions. The adaptations include camouflage that allows them to blend into their surroundings and makes it difficult for predators to see them. Animals also adapt to move within the surroundings of the rainforest through strong limbs or webbed feet.
The food rainforest animals typically eat depends on their placement within the food supply chain and the ecosystem. The food sources within the rainforest are often limited. Big animals eat smaller animals such as armadillos, birds, and turtles while smaller animals may generally eat mushrooms, termites, or worms.
The animals at the top of the food chain in the rainforest include big cats such as leopards and jaguars who are known for both their agility and speed. Other animals at the top of the food chain include anacondas who are known for their ability to prey and crocodiles.
