Biotic Factors
Animals and plants in temperate deciduous forests have adaptations to cope with seasonal changes in heat, moisture, and food. Some mammals hibernate. Others grow thick coats of fur to protect them from winter temperatures. Many birds migrate south during winter.
The temperate deciduous forest contains a variety of trees and other plants. Deciduous trees dominate the forest, although there may be some coniferous and broad-leaf evergreen trees, too. There are usually three to four species of trees per square kilometer. Species include oak, hickory, beech, hemlock, maple, basswood, cottonwood, elm, and willow. Deciduous trees are also called hardwoods. These trees are usually slow growing and very long lived. They are desirable woods for furniture and woodworking.
The forest canopy is moderately dense and allows light to penetrate. This available light results in well-developed and richly diverse vegetation below the treetops. The understory supports a wide variety of shrubs and bushes. Many bloom in early spring before canopy trees have full-grown leaves. Shrubs and bushes are also found in open meadows and at the forest edges. The understory includes rhododendron, azalea, dogwood, berries, and spring-flowering herbs.
The temperate deciduous forest contains a variety of trees and other plants. Deciduous trees dominate the forest, although there may be some coniferous and broad-leaf evergreen trees, too. There are usually three to four species of trees per square kilometer. Species include oak, hickory, beech, hemlock, maple, basswood, cottonwood, elm, and willow. Deciduous trees are also called hardwoods. These trees are usually slow growing and very long lived. They are desirable woods for furniture and woodworking.
The forest canopy is moderately dense and allows light to penetrate. This available light results in well-developed and richly diverse vegetation below the treetops. The understory supports a wide variety of shrubs and bushes. Many bloom in early spring before canopy trees have full-grown leaves. Shrubs and bushes are also found in open meadows and at the forest edges. The understory includes rhododendron, azalea, dogwood, berries, and spring-flowering herbs.
Deciduous trees and plants have special adaptations for survival. During the winter, little water is available and days are short. Photosynthesis stops, leaves fall off, and the tree or plant is relatively dormant. When the days are longer and water becomes available again in the spring, leaves grow back and photosynthesis begins again.
When deciduous trees shed their leaves, a layer forms on the forest floor. This thick layer of leaves decays and enriches the soil. The result is a fertile habitat for fungi, bacteria, earthworms, and insects. Small birds, such as thrushes, and mammals, such as mice, eat these organisms. Larger creatures, such as snakes, hawks, coyotes, and mountain lions, prey upon these smaller animals. Temperate deciduous forests provide abundant food for a variety of life-forms.
When deciduous trees shed their leaves, a layer forms on the forest floor. This thick layer of leaves decays and enriches the soil. The result is a fertile habitat for fungi, bacteria, earthworms, and insects. Small birds, such as thrushes, and mammals, such as mice, eat these organisms. Larger creatures, such as snakes, hawks, coyotes, and mountain lions, prey upon these smaller animals. Temperate deciduous forests provide abundant food for a variety of life-forms.