Life in the Treetops

High above the floor of a tropical rainforest lies a hidden world known as the canopy. This thick layer of leaves and branches, formed by the tops of tall trees, can be more than thirty metres above the ground. Although it is difficult for humans to reach, the canopy is home to a remarkable variety of living things. Most of the rainforest's animals spend their entire lives up here, rarely touching the ground. Monkeys swing from branch to branch, colourful birds search for fruit, and countless insects crawl along the leaves. Some frogs are even born, grow, and die without ever leaving the trees, drinking water that collects inside plants. The canopy also plays an important role for the whole forest. Its dense leaves capture sunlight and rainfall, protecting the darker world below. Because so little light reaches the forest floor, few plants can grow there. Scientists once knew very little about this region, since climbing so high was dangerous. Today, using ropes, towers, and even balloons, researchers are finally beginning to explore one of the richest habitats on Earth.