Question

Tropical rainforests have ___________ distinct layers.
A. 3
B. 5
C. 2
D. 4

Answer 1

Hint: Tropical rainforests are located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. They are found in Central and South America, western and central Africa, western India, Southeast Asia, the island of New Guinea, and Australia.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Tropical rainforests have four distinct layers, they are the canopy layer, the emergent layer, the understory layer, and Each layer has its own characteristics and is different from each other but the species and the processes in one layer influence the other.
A. Emergent Layer: It is the topmost layer. Here, trees dominate the skyline. The animals present in this layer include birds, bats, gliders, and butterflies. The top predators are the as white-tailed hawks and harpy eagles. Animals often maneuver through the unstable topmost branches of the Emergent layer by flying or gliding. Animals that can’t fly are quite small and they need to be light enough to be supported by the slender uppermost layers of the trees.
B. Canopy Layer: Just below the Emergent Layer, we have the Canopy layer. Its network of leaves and branches is so dense that it forms a roof over the other two remaining layers. Due to the dark environment below this roof, the canopy layer blocks winds, sunlight, and rainfall, and hence, it is always humid and still. The trees present in the Canopy Layer have adapted to this environment and have started growing glossy leaves with pointed tips that repel water.
C. Understory Layer: This layer is darker, stiller, and more humid than the Canopy Layer. The plants present in this layer are shorter and have larger leaves than the plants present in the Canopy layer. The flowers present in this layer are larger and easier to see and have a strong smell.
D. Forest Floor Layer: This layer is the darkest among all the four layers and hence, making it impossible for the plants to grow. Decomposers, such as slugs, scorpions, worms, and fungi, thrive on the forest floor. The organic matter falls from trees and plants, and these organisms break down the decaying material to form nutrients.

Hence, option (D) is the correct option.

Note: The most diverse mammal species in the tropical rainforests is the species of Bats. They usually fly throughout the canopy, emergent, and understory layers. We can find a lot of insect species in the Canopy layer which are the principal diet of the reptiles such as the flying Draco lizards of Southeast Asia.