Rainforest Division 420 R ainforest D ivision Between the equator and lat. 10 N. lies a region classified as wet equatorial or rainforest climate. The equatorial region has a rainforest or selva type of vegetation unsurpassed in number of species and luxuriance of tree growth. The forest is evergreen, but individual species have various leaf-shedding cycles.
Rainforest is home to small forest animals able to live and travel in the continuous forest canopy.
Bird species are numerous and spectacularly plumaged. Copious rainfall and high temperatures combine to keep chemical processes continuous on the rocks and soils. Leaching of all soluble elements of the deeply decayed rock produces Ultisols and Oxisols that are often especially rich in hydroxides of iron, magnesium, and aluminum. Streamflow is fairly constant because a large water surplus throughout the year provides ample runoff. River channels are lined with dense vegetation.