Why is tropical rain forest not a jungle?
“Jungle” is a term sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably with “tropical rain forest”. Jungle is used to describe thick, impenetrable vegetation. Tropical rain forests are not impenetrable. In fact, the floor of a mature rain forest is relatively open and uncluttered. Tangled undergrowth is a rain forest myth.What are the characteristics of tropical rain forests? • Tropical rain forests are characterized by hot, humid weather all year. • Abundant rainfall- more than 80 inches per year • Temperature- average temperature is over 75 degrees, with little variance • More sunlight- because of the location on or near the equator, these areas get 12 hour days all year and the sun’s rays strike the equator at right angles, providing more direct and intense sunlight. • High humidity- average humidity is 70% by day, and 95% at night. • Tropical rain forests are luxuriant and diverse. The moist, hot conditions support an abundant diversity of plant life which in turn support a varied community
