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Life in the Rainforest

Water is the essence of life, and as indicated by the name, rainforests have lots of it! However, the rainforest floor can be quite a dark place, sheltered by the dense forest canopy.

Rainforest plants

How do plants grow when it is so dark? In rainforests, it is easy to observe adaptations that allow plants to gain access to light so they can survive.

Download the ‘Structural Features of Rainforest Plants’ Spotto Card showcasing each of these adaptations. 
 

Explore the Rainforest Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens in 360o and click on the hotspots to learn about each plant.  

Rainforest animals

Many animals that live in rainforests have unique adaptations to navigate the dense, dark forest. In the Daintree Rainforests of Australia, the following species can be found:  

Further activities and resources


1. Is there evidence of the rainforest at your school?

Survey for rainforest plant adaptations in your school. Click here to access the 'Plant Adaptations in your School' activity sheet.
Note for teachers: This activity is best suited as an assessment tool to be completed once students have used this web resource to learn about plant adaptations to other environments.  
 

2. Where do I grow?

Investigate whether plants are adapted to life in the rainforest by growing a plant under different environmental conditions.
Click here to access the 'Where do I grow?' activity sheet. 
 

3. Rainforest adaptations sensory poster

Create a sensory poster showcasing the adaptations of a rainforest animal or plant. 
Click here to access the 'Adaptations Sensory Poster' activity sheet.
 

4. Guess the habitat

Use your understanding of structural adaptations to rainforests to create the habitat of an unknown species. Click here to access the 'Guess the Habitat!' activity sheet. 
Note for teachers: This activity is best suited as an anchor activity or as an assessment tool to be completed once students have used this web resource to learn about adaptations to other environments.