Characteristics of Tropical rainforest and Mangorve Rainforest

Tropical rainforest (3 layers )

1. Emergent layer

2. Canopy Layer

3. Undergrowth layer

Mangrove forest ( 3 zone)

1. Coastal zone

2. Middle zone

3. Inland zone

Emergent layer

Consist of the tallest trees which can grow about 30 metres or more

Canopy layer

Consist of 20 to 30 metres tall trees. The trees grow very close together such that their crowns interlock to form a thick continuous canopy that prevents 97% to 98% of sunlight from reaching the forest floor

Undergrowth Layer

Sparse vegetation. Very little sunlight is able to reach that area, thus very little plants are able to grow there.

When there is a gap between the canopy, a lot of sunlight is able to reach, thus certain species take advantage of this situation and grow upwards quickly.

Coastal zone

It is nearest to sea and has the longest duration of flooding by tide. Plants highly tolerant of water with high salinity. The soil is also highly lodged. The sonneratia and aviennia species live there

Middle zone

Has the shortest duration of flooding by tides than coastal zone. The plants are less tolerant of water with high salinity. The soil is less water lodged. The Rizophora species live there.

Inland zone

Furthest from the sea and has the shortest duration of flooding by tides. Plants are least tolerant of water with high salinity. Soil is water lodged. The Burguiera species live there.