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The Shady Understory
Below the canopy, only about 5% of sunlight reaches the understory. Plants here have evolved enormous leaves to capture every bit of light.
Jaguars stalk through the shadows as top predators. They are excellent climbers and swimmers — one of the few cats that actively hunts in water. Tree frogs, snakes, and lizards hunt insects among the branches.
Many understory plants have drip tips — pointed leaf tips that channel water off quickly, preventing fungus growth in the constant humidity. The air is still and heavy, with temperatures staying remarkably constant.
**Think About It:** Understory plants have huge leaves because they need to catch as much of the limited 5% sunlight as possible!