The descent · On the rope
Sixty metres down
one tree.
You start above the forest roof and lower yourself to the river. Each stop is a different world, with its own light, air and animals.
STOP 1 OF 5
Emergent layer
A few giant trees break through the roof of the forest into full sun and wind. Only strong fliers and light climbers live this high.
Who lives here
Notice: How far you can see: nothing above you but sky.
Guides for this layerWhy it works this way
The forest stacks itself around light.
Light is the prize
Trees race upward for sun. The canopy takes most of it, so each level below gets less.
Air changes with height
The top is windy and drier. Under the roof the air is still, warm and very humid.
Animals fit their floor
Wings for the open top, gripping tails for branches, strong legs for the ground.
Side by side
The five stops compared.
Typical pattern for a tropical rainforest, shown on a five-step scale.
You know the floors. Now meet who lives on them.
Watch the forest wake and rest, or open the guide library by layer.