Understory - The Middle Layer Smaller trees, bushes, and plants such as ferns, live in the understory. Not much sunlight reaches here, because the canopy blocks the sun. Still, many birds and animals make their home in the understory. Forest wildcats, such as the leopard, are excellent tree climbers. They will chase monkeys and squirrels through the understory for food.
Few plants grow on the forest floor because almost no sunlight reaches here.
But the leaves and plants which drop from the upper layers provide food and shelter for animals and insects who live on the forest floor. Mice, frogs, snakes and insects look for food. Larger animals, such as wild boar and deer, also make the forest floor their home.