The rainforest climate and environment.

Authors Avatar

The Climate of the Rainforest

The rainforest climate and environment is unique to areas situated on the Equator, where the hottest and most diverse climates on Earth can be found. Although the temperature stays around 20-28º Celsius, there is also abundant rainfall, with an average of about 1500mm per year (though sometimes exceeding 4000mm per year). The rainforest is not particularly seasonal, with rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. Drought and frost are not issues in rainforest areas.

Over long periods of time, animals have adapted well to this varied climate, whether it be finding other methods of transportation through the rainforest undergrowth, or growing other leaves as a method of defence.

The pineapple is a good example of the latter adaptation mentioned. The pineapple is distinguishable by its large, green, spiky leaves, protruding from the top of the fruit. The pineapple has many relatives plentiful in the rainforest, which share some of the discernible characteristics of the pineapple itself, most notably the great green leaves. This adaptation prevents animals from eating the juicy interior of the pineapple. Scientists say that there are huge numbers of animals and insects in the rainforest, so an adaptation like that is a huge advantage.

Join now!

An example of an especially adapted animal, in terms of surviving in the rainforest, can be seen in the flying squirrel. The flying squirrel is actually like a normal squirrel, except for one crucial adaptation. When the squirrel jumps off a tree to “fly”, it stretches its legs out on either side and skin connects the feet to one another. So essentially it has its own little “glider” constantly attached to its body, enabling the squirrel easier access to other areas of the rainforest, as well as a huge advantage In terms of catching prey, in that it can fly ...

This is a preview of the whole essay