Limiting Factors
In the tropical rainforest, though abundant in rain and organisms, has many limiting factors. Limiting factors are things that limit growth and development within species. The trees are very thick in the rainforest. The top layer of the trees is called the canopy. Because of the thickness of trees, only 1% of sunlight reaches the bottom layer of the rainforest. This extreme shade limits the amount of organisms that can survive on the forest floor. Again, thanks to the thick trees, much of the rainfall cannot reach the forest floor; this leaves it dry and brittle. Thus, most wildlife in the tropical rainforest rests in the canopy. Due to the amount of organisms that live in the canopy, the competition is immense. All of these factors and more limit growth of populations in the tropical rainforest.
Niche Partitioning
Niche partitioning is how the organisms divide up the duties and resources of living together in an ecosystem. This greatly occurs in the canopy of the rainforest. Because of the tall height of the upper canopy, mostly birds reside here. Other animals such as squirrels and monkeys live in the sub canopy. On the forest floor, live animals that can survive with little sunlight and little company. Food id divided up and different prey is hunted. This is a prime example of niche partitioning. This is essential for a supportive ecosystem to prosper.