Temperature and humidity are relatively high through the year. The various trees of the tropical rain forests are closely spaced together and form a thick continuous canopy some 25 to 35 meters tall. Some other common plants include ferns and palms. Most plants are evergreen with large, dark green, leathery leaves. The tropical rain forest is home to many different species of amphibians.
Decomposition is rapid in the tropicals because high temperatures and an abundance of moisture.
Because of the frequent and heavy rains, tropical soils are subject to extreme chemical weathering and leaching . These environmental conditions also make tropical soils acidic and nutrient poor.