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Parts of a Forest

What are the parts of a forest?

Goal:

Goal:

Forests are very important habitats. They are homes for most of the world’s plants, animals, and insects. Scientists are still discovering new types of living things every year. Let’s review the three main parts of a forest: the canopy layer, the understory layer, and the forest floor.

diagram showing forest layers: canopy, understory, and floor.

Click on the tabs below to find out what can be found in each forest layer.

looking up into the tops of the trees.

The canopy is the top layer of the forest, at the tops of the trees. It is where many animals and insects live because it offers protection from predators. Also, there are fruits, leaves, and seeds to eat in the canopy.

looking up into the tops of the trees.

The middle of the forest is also called the understory. It includes everything below the canopy and above the forest floor. Small plants, bushes, and small trees make up this part of the forest.

looking up into the tops of the trees.

The forest floor may not look like much, but there is lots to discover there. Just like the floor of a house, it is the very bottom of the forest, where you can walk.

Question

What are the three parts of a forest?

The canopy, the middle or understory, and the forest floor are the three parts of a forest.