Location of rainforests- The largest rainforests are in the Amazon River Basin (South America), the Congo River Basin (western Africa), and throughout much of southeast Asia. Smaller rainforests are located in Central America, Madagascar, Australia and nearby islands, India, and other locations in the tropics

The climate- .In general, tropical rainforests have hot and humid climates where it rains virtually every day. The level of rainfall depends on the time of year.

The soil- The paradox of rainforest soils . Tropical soils are notoriously thin and poor in nutrients. In some parts of the Amazon River Basin, white, sandy soils are found.

  • The plants and animals (and some of their adaptations!!)- Some plants called ‘epiphytes’ are flowering plants which grow on tree trunks and branches to get light. They get food from the air and water. 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 Nutrient cycle and interrelationships in the rainforest- Rainforest ecosystems are characterized by heavy convectional rainfall, high humidity, lushness of vegetation and nutrient-rich but shallow soil. These factors give rise to a unique water and nutrient cycle.