Different animals and plants live in different parts of the rainforest. Scientists divide the rainforest into strata (zones) based on the living environment. Starting at the top, the strata are:
Emergent: Giant trees that are much higher than the average canopy height. It houses many birds and insects.
Canopy: The upper parts of the trees. This leafy environment is full of life in a tropical rainforest and includes: insects, birds, reptiles, mammals, and more.
Understory: A dark, cool environment under the leaves but over the ground.
Forest floor: Teeming with animal life, especially insects. The largest animals in the rainforest generally live here.