Why Is the Rainforest Floor So Dark?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why is the rainforest floor so dark?

The Big Idea

The thick canopy and understory catch most of the sunlight before it reaches the ground. In some rainforests, only about 2 percent of the light makes it to the floor. That is why the forest floor is so dark.

Layers of Leaves

Step one: layers of leaves. Sunlight must pass through the tall trees, then the canopy, then the understory. Each layer catches a lot of light, like three screens stacked together.

Little Light

Step two: very little light. In some rainforests, only about 2 percent of sunlight reaches the floor. Few plants can grow in such dim light, so you can often walk between trees with plenty of space.

Shade Lovers

Step three: shade lovers. Most plants on the floor are shade-loving ones. Light often arrives as small flecks that move with the breeze, glowing like tiny spotlights.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Tall trees block the sky. A thick canopy catches the light. So the floor stays dim, even in the day. Only small flecks of light sneak through.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Only about 2 percent of sunlight may reach a rainforest floor. Light on the floor often comes as small, moving flecks. Most floor plants are shade-loving. Ask a grown-up to help with the flashlight.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, cover a flashlight with three layers of tissue paper. Shine it on a wall in a dim room. How dim is the light now? Each layer is like a layer of leaves.

Outro

Leaves catch the light, so the rainforest floor stays dim. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!