SOIL LAYER

The soil layer is the foundation of the forest, supporting and providing moisture and nutrients to plant and tree roots. It consists of decomposed plant matter and inorganic material, such as rocks, minerals and clay.

LITTER LAYER

The litter layer is the floor of the forest, where decaying plant matter and fungi undergo the transformation into soil. Bacteria, insects and worms in the litter help break down the plant matter.

FIELD LAYER

The field layer is the first layer of growth on the forest floor--a soft carpet of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, grasses and other low plants. It is a habitat for many insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

UNDERSTORY

The understory is made up of bushes, shrubs, woody plants and young trees reaching up to the forest canopy; it provides a habitat for birds and insects.

CANOPY

The canopy is the highest layer of the forest--the intertwined branches of mature trees that shade and protect lower forest layers and provide a habitat for insects, birds and small mammals.