Which of the following best describes the function of the canopy layer in a rainforest?

The function of the canopy layer in a rainforest is primarily to filter sunlight and sustain living organisms. The canopy is the upper layer of the rainforest, formed by the tops of tall trees. This layer plays a crucial role in regulating the amount of sunlight that reaches the lower layers of the forest, including the understory and forest floor. By blocking direct sunlight, the canopy helps maintain a cooler and more humid microclimate below, which is essential for the diversity of plant and animal life found in rainforests.

The canopy is home to a wide variety of organisms, including birds, insects, and mammals, many of which depend on the plants in this layer for food and habitat. Additionally, the foliage of the canopy trees supports photosynthesis, which is vital for energy production in the forest ecosystem. In this way, the canopy layer is fundamental to the overall health and biodiversity of the rainforest environment.

Other options do not accurately represent the primary function of the canopy. For instance, while capturing excess moisture is important in a rainforest, it is more related to the overall ecosystem function rather than a specific role of the canopy. The claim that the canopy traps heat and prevents photosynthesis does not align with the role of the canopy, as it actually facilitates photos