Question

Describe the layers of the forest in detail.

Answer 1

Forest has usually four layers:
(i) Forest floor: The bottom-most layer is called the forest floor. It is the darkest layer and very few plants can grow here.
It is the layer that provides the nutrients to the plants.
It does not have any trees; it has mostly herbs like grasses along with many worms and decomposers.
(ii) Understorey: The middle layer formed by shrubs and small trees is called the understorey layer. It is the home for many animals.
(iii) Canopy: The layer above understorey is called the canopy. It is formed by the tall trees and their widely spread branches.
Canopy blocks a lot of sunshine, making the forest look dark.
(iv) Emergent: Some forests have an additional layer on top known as the emergent layer. This layer emerges over the canopy. The plants in this layer require the maximum amount of sunlight, therefore they emerge to receive the maximum possible amount of sunlight.