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 Tropical
Rainforest: Animals
Tropical rainforests
support a greater number and variety of animals than any other biome.
One of the reasons for this great variety of animals is the constant
warmth. Tropical rainforests also provide a nearly constant supply
of water and a wide variety of food for the animals. Small animals,
including monkeys, birds, snakes, rodents, frogs, and lizards are
common in the tropical rainforest. Many of these animals and a multitude
of insects never set foot on the ground. The animals use the tall
trees and understory for shelter, hiding places from their predators,
and a source of food.
 Animal
adaptation
Because there are so many animals competing for food, many animals
have adapted by learning to eat a particular food eaten by no other
animal. Toucans have adapted by developing long, large bill. This
adaptation allows this bird to reach fruit on branches that are
too small to support the bird's weight. The bill also is used to
cut the fruit from the tree.
The sloth uses a behavioral
adaptation and camouflage to survive in the rainforest. It moves
very, very slowly and spends most of its time hanging upside down
from trees. Blue-green algae grows on its fur giving the sloth a
greenish color and making it more difficult for predators to spot.
Photos © 2000-www.arttoday.com
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