The Deciduous Forest
Description/ Characteristics
The deciduous forest has deciduous trees, a mild climate, and moderate rainfall. The leaves change colors in the fall. The average annual temperature in a deciduous forest is 50° F, and the average rainfall is 30 to 60 inches a year. Four distinct seasons characterize the deciduous forest (winter, spring, summer, fall). The ground is usually pretty fertile, although it can contain clay and soil types often vary.
Climatograph
This comparison of seasons, temperature, and rainfall show a moderate climate with decent rain. It also shows a curve in temperatures, depicting the four seasons. That is what makes this climate unique.
Animal Adaptations
Many animals need tools to help them kill or climb. For example, the black bear has claws and teeth. It can catch fish and prey on other animals. Others use fur to stay warm or hibernate during colder months. Others camoflage with the ground.
1. The American Black Bear (pictured below)
2.Coyote
3. White-tailed deer
4. eastern chipmunk
5. Least Weasel
4. eastern chipmunk
5. Least Weasel
Plant Adaptations
Plants need the ablity to soak up the sun for photosynthesis and get nutrients from the soil. Some use clever seed dispersing techniques.
1.American Beech
1.American Beech
2. Carpet Moss
3. Lady Fern
4. Pecan
5. White Oak
4. Pecan
5. White Oak
Keystone Species- American Beaver
The beaver creates dams and changes the landscape by doing so. Many plants and animals (including fish) rely on this change.
Indicator Species- American Bullfrogs
Frogs are very sensitive to sudden changes in the environment. If the frogs are unhealthy, so is the forest. Their health indicates that of the forest. Any pollution etc will affect the frogs.
K-Strategist -White-tailed Deer
These deer can live for more than 10 years. Males can weigh up to 400 pounds, and females from 70 to 200 pounds. It is mostly active at night but they can be active at any time. They graze on green plants in the summer and nuts and twigs and the buds of birch, maple and conifer trees acorns during the winter. The doe usually gives birth to 1 or 2 fawns. Fawns can walk at birth and nibble on grasses a few days later. They are usually weaned by six weeks. White-tailed deer live to be about 10 years, but some have lived as long as 20 years in captivity.
R-Strategist- Fat Dormouse
The fat dormouse is the largest dormouse in Europe. They can be found in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Japan. It can adapt and thrive in many types of woodland but does not do well in evergreen forests. The dormouse finds shelter in hollow trees, rock crevices or even woodpecker holes. It has thick fur with a silvery grey color on the upper part and creamy white on the under parts. The dormouse has small, round eyes surrounded with dark circles. It is about 5-8 inches in length and the tail is about 4-6 inches long. The dormouse can weigh from 2.5-6 oz. They have large, round ears and short legs. The large bushy tail helps the dormouse keep its balance while climbing on tree branches. The large ears are used to locate sound and provide excellent hearing. The dormouse is nocturnal.
The fat dormouse has a life span of five years. The dormouse will usually produce one litter per year, with 2-10 babies in it. The dormouse eats fruits, berries, nuts, and insects. It hibernates during the colder months.
The fat dormouse has a life span of five years. The dormouse will usually produce one litter per year, with 2-10 babies in it. The dormouse eats fruits, berries, nuts, and insects. It hibernates during the colder months.
Environmental Problems/ Threats
Deforestation and building cities and homes is the main threat to these ecosystems, since it destroys land and food sources. Also pollution can cause defects, sickness, or death if it is severe enough.