The Canopy of the Forest The canopy, or the top of the trees, is the most dense and luxurious forest layer. The treetops are usually 50 to 100 feet above the forest floor. Most rainforest animals, including sloths, birds and butterflies, live in the canopy where lots of fruit and insects are available for food. Flowering plants like bromeliads and orchids grow on tree trunks and branches. The canopy is hot and dry compared to the understory and the forest floor. Trees and other plants in the canopy absorb most of the sunlight before it can reach the lower layers. The sunlight is an important part of "photosynthesis", which is the process plants use to create food, and to breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen.