The tallest trees are the emergents, towering as much as 200 feet above the forest floor with trunks that measure up to 16 feet around. Most of these trees are broad-leaved, hardwood evergreens. Sunlight is plentiful up here. Animals found are eagles, monkeys, bats and butterflies. This is the primary layer of the forest and forms a roof over the two remaining layers.
Most canopy trees have smooth, oval leaves that come to a point.
It's a maze of leaves and branches. Many animals live in this area since food is abundant. The plants in this area seldom grow to 12 feet. Many animals live here including jaguars, red-eyed tree frogs and leopards. There is a large concentration of insects here.