Leafy bushes and small trees make up the understory. It is dark, hot and very still here. The canopy roof blocks out most of the sunlight and wind from above. Many insects, frogs and snakes live in this layer.

 

 

 

 

 

This is a chameleon. It can change its skin colour.

Chameleons camouflage themselves by changing colour to match their surroundings. They use their long, sticky tongue to catch insects. They can also swivel their eyes so that each eye looks in a different direction at the same time.

 

 

 

This passion flower is brightly coloured to attract insects.

There is little air movement in the understory, so plants that grow here rely on insects and birds to pollinate them. To attract these animals, or pollinators, they often produce strong-smelling, colourful flowers that stand out in the gloomy understory.

 

 

 

 

 

This brightly coloured frog has poisonous skin.

The brightly coloured skin of the tiny poison dart frog acts as a warning to stop animals from eating them. Their poison is used by forest people on the tips of their hunting darts. Scientists are also developing the poison for medical purposes.