Plants
Over two thirds of the world's plant species are found in the tropical rainforests. These plants provide shelter and food for rainforest animals as well as providing much of the world's oxygen supply. Rainforest plants thrive in a warm humid environment. Although tropical rainforests receive around 12 hours of sunlight daily, less than 2% of that sunlight ever reaches the ground. Often people think that plant growth is dense even at ground level in the tropical rainforest. However, the canopy and the understory prevent sunlight from reaching the ground. This means the soil is always shaded, and very little vegetation is able to survive at ground level. Seventy percent of the plants in the rainforest are trees.
Animals
Tropical rainforests have the highest number and variety of animals out of all the biomes. It is believed that almost 90% of the plant and animal species on earth are located in tropical rainforest biomes. Constant warmth is one of the reasons for this great variety of animals. Tropical rainforests also have an almost constant supply of water and a wide variety of food for the animals. Small animals such as monkeys, birds, snakes, rodents, frogs, and lizards are common in the tropical rainforest biome. The animals use the tall trees for shelter, hiding places from their predators, and as a source of food.