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What is the Difference Between the Jungle and the Rainforest?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

These two terms have often been confused, but they describe different patterns of vegetation that are mostly, though not always, associated with tropical climates. “Jungle” is a general term used to describe vegetation that is tangled and impenetrable — the kind that might seriously impede the progress of humans, and which may need to be cut through with tools such as machetes. It comes from the Sanskrit word jangala, which simply means uncultivated land. A rainforest is a type of dense forest, often with several layers of vegetation, that is found in areas of high rainfall. The foliage in the upper parts is generally so dense that relatively little light reaches the ground, and because of this, ground-level plant life is quite sparse — it is, in fact, much easier to walk through rainforest than jungle.

Much early exploration of tropical forests by Europeans took place via rivers. Around these rivers, vegetation was usually very dense, as much more light was able to reach the ground in the absence of trees. Consequently, it was assumed that the impenetrable-looking vegetation visible around the rivers was typical of the forest, and the term “jungle” came to be used to describe rainforests.

Jungle

The tree canopy of the rainforest shields its floor from the sun.
The tree canopy of the rainforest shields its floor from the sun.

In the past, the word jungle has been used rather indiscriminately to describe almost any kind of dense, tropical vegetation, including what is now called rainforest. The term “rainforest”, however, only came into common use in the 1970s. Plants need both moisture and light to grow well, and the kind of dense ground-level vegetation that thrives in jungle areas occurs in places that have plentiful rainfall for at least part of the year, and more or less unrestricted access to sunlight. Consequently, it differs markedly from rainforest.

Jungle vegetation is ground-level and dense; it needs sunlight to thrive.
Jungle vegetation is ground-level and dense; it needs sunlight to thrive.

Jungle, however, may well occur close to, and within, rainforests, since all that is usually required in these warm, moist areas for this type of vegetation to develop is an adequate supply of light. Therefore, in places where trees are sparse, jungle can thrive. Typically, jungle vegetation will be found at the edges of rainforests, along rivers within the forest, and in areas where trees have fallen due to natural disasters such as high winds, or where trees have been felled by humans, and the land then left to itself.

Jungle vegetation at water's edge has access to sunlight unfiltered by the tree canopy of the rainforest.
Jungle vegetation at water's edge has access to sunlight unfiltered by the tree canopy of the rainforest.

This kind of vegetation is not found in temperate areas, as constant high temperatures are required to allow the year-round growth of plants. When combined with moist conditions, and a plentiful supply of light, growth is rapid. Many kinds of plants have evolved to compete successfully for resources, and so jungle areas, like rainforests, have a great diversity of plant life; however, the main difference is in the ground level vegetation. Trees do not get a chance to grow, as faster spreading plants rapidly deprive small seedlings of space and light. Plants in these areas have evolved to grow and spread quickly, and in many cases possess thorns to defend themselves against predators, resulting in a thick, impenetrable tangle of plants that makes life difficult for explorers.

Rainforest

A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, which has some of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern hemisphere.
A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, which has some of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern hemisphere.

As the name implies, this type of vegetation occurs in areas of high rainfall. In the equatorial regions, conditions are ideal for rainforest, due to the frequent heavy rain, high humidity and year-round high temperatures. Rainforests, can, however, be found in some temperate regions, where rainfall is high enough. For example, many parts of the west coast of North America have forests of this type. These woodlands, however, have far fewer plant and animal species living in them than tropical forests.

Rainforests are located in areas of high rainfall.
Rainforests are located in areas of high rainfall.

The typical tropical rainforest has a high canopy of overlapping branches and leaves that absorb most of the incoming sunlight. The trees that make up this layer generally grow to between 70 and 100 feet (21 - 30 meters). Above this, there may be an emergent layer, consisting of a relatively small number of even taller trees, up to 180 ft (55 m) high. Below the main canopy, there is a shrub, or understory, layer, consisting of young trees and large-leaved plants that are able to exploit the relatively small amounts of light at this level. The ground layer has only a few shade-loving plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between a jungle and a rainforest?

The primary difference lies in the ecosystem's structure. Rainforests are characterized by dense canopies that limit light reaching the forest floor, promoting high biodiversity and a multi-layered habitat. Jungles, often part of rainforests, have more light penetration due to a less dense canopy, leading to thick undergrowth and a different set of flora and fauna.

Are jungles and rainforests found in the same geographical regions?

Yes, jungles and rainforests can be found in similar tropical regions around the equator. Rainforests are typically located in South America, Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. Jungles are often the more accessible, dense areas on the outskirts or within these rainforests, where sunlight reaches the ground more readily.

How does biodiversity in jungles compare to that of rainforests?

Rainforests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, with about 50% of the world's species, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Jungles, while still rich in biodiversity, may have fewer species than the darker, more secluded areas of rainforests due to the different light and vegetation conditions that favor certain species over others.

What role do rainforests and jungles play in the global ecosystem?

Rainforests and jungles are crucial for maintaining global biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting water cycles. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen, thus playing a significant role in mitigating climate change. They also house countless plant species, many of which are used in modern medicines.

Can the terms 'jungle' and 'rainforest' be used interchangeably?

While the terms are often used interchangeably in popular culture, they refer to different aspects of tropical ecosystems. 'Rainforest' denotes a larger ecosystem with a dense canopy, while 'jungle' specifically describes areas with thick ground vegetation. Using them interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings about the structure and biodiversity of these habitats.

What are the conservation statuses of jungles and rainforests?

Rainforests and their encompassing jungles are under significant threat from deforestation, mining, and agriculture, leading to habitat loss and species extinction. Conservation International notes that at least 17% of the Amazon rainforest has been lost in the last 50 years. Protecting these areas is critical for preserving their ecological functions and species diversity.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllThingsNature contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllThingsNature contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon974744

They are the same thing. "Rain Forest" is simply the newer, more politically correct term for a jungle.

anon261650

Are a rainforest and jungle the same thing?

anon241615

Thank you! Someone finally clarified it for me.

anon103419

thanks for sharing knowledge! It is a beautiful gift! i know a bit more now.

anon98635

thank you very much for the explanation. Finally i understand the difference between the rainforest and the jungle.

anon87034

Thank you for finally explaining the difference! I have been looking for the difference to help my daughter with a school project and every other site seems to use the terms jungle and rainforest interchangeably. thanks again

anon67160

Before I read this post, I always thought the the jungle and rainforest were the same thing. Thanks for explaining!

anon37133

I think that there is more to explain about the rainforest.

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    • The tree canopy of the rainforest shields its floor from the sun.
      By: Stéphane Bidouze
      The tree canopy of the rainforest shields its floor from the sun.
    • Jungle vegetation is ground-level and dense; it needs sunlight to thrive.
      By: Galyna Andrushko
      Jungle vegetation is ground-level and dense; it needs sunlight to thrive.
    • Jungle vegetation at water's edge has access to sunlight unfiltered by the tree canopy of the rainforest.
      By: Galyna Andrushko
      Jungle vegetation at water's edge has access to sunlight unfiltered by the tree canopy of the rainforest.
    • A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, which has some of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern hemisphere.
      By: magann
      A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, which has some of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern hemisphere.
    • Rainforests are located in areas of high rainfall.
      By: Aleksander Bolbot
      Rainforests are located in areas of high rainfall.