The Forest Floor

Almost no plants grow in this region of 0-2% light and 100% humidity. The few flowering plants that live here tolerate deep shade. The floor itself is covered with a litter of rapidly decomposing vegetation and organisms that break down into usable nutrients. A leaf that might take one year to decompose in a temperate climate, will disappear in just six weeks on the rainforest floor. A high proportion of the nutrients in the system are locked in the large biomass (trees and other plant storage systems). There is heavy competition for these nutrients. This is why many trees are so shallow-rooted. Large mammals, such as tapirs, forage for roots and tubers. Insects, including termites, cockroaches, beetles, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions and earthworms, along with the fungi, use the organic litter as a source of food.

(An Earthworm) Credit to: Lowell Georgiahttp://www.weru.ksu.edu/pics/general_ag/arap115.jpg)

(Fungi )       Credit to: Judy Scotchmoor(http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/fungi/basidio/mushroomsi.gif)

The forest floor forms the lowest level in the forest. Very little sunlight filters through to this area. Mosses, herbs and fungi grow here. Few plants are found on the floor of the forest. The floor is covered with wet leaves and leaf litter. There is much decay on this level, which sends nutrients back into the soil.

Please proceed to the other sections. Hope you have enjoyed yourselves.

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The Emergent Layer >
The Canopy Layer >
The Understorey >