Dustin S, Brandon S, Jacob B, Zack H Deciduous Forest

General Info and Terms  Deciduous trees- Trees that shed their leaves during the seasons.  Canopy- Upper part of the forest consisting of branches and leaves, forms a “roof”.  Understory- Made of small trees and younger plants below the canopy.  Forest floors have rich dirt and soil.

Zones  Deciduous forests contain five different zones.  1. The Tree Stratum zone- Contains Oak, Beech, Maple, chestnut hickory. This zone’s height ranges between feet.

 2. The Sapling zone- Contains young and short trees.  3. The Shrub zone- Contains many small shrubs and bushes like mountain laurel and huckleberries.

 4. The Herb zone- It has small herbal plants.  5. The Ground zone- Consists of lichens and mosses.

Location  Much of Europe and the eastern part of North America.  Some found in Japan and Asia. Russia, eastern China.  South America, Southern Chile and east coast of Paraguay.  New Zealand and Southeastern Australia.

Climate  Average annual temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  Average rainfall is inches a year.  Dramatically affected by seasons  Winter can be below freezing.  Summer is hot and humid.

Plants and Animals  Maple  Oak  Elm  Beech  Hickory  Evergreen  Spruce  Fir (Coniferous)  Tawny Milk Cap Mushrooms  Carpet Moss  Bluebells  Lady Fern  Opossum  Black bears  White tailed Deer  Rabbits  Raccoons  Owls  Bald Eagle  Foxes  Squirrels  Small birds  Porcupine  Grouse  Insects  Snakes

Endangered Species  Wolves  Northern Owls  Bald Eagles (No longer)  DDT in fish was eaten by eagles and animals. Magnification of the chemical started killing eagles and the shells of their eggs became brittle and would break, killing the chick before it hatched.

Preservation  Prevention of cutting or government protection.  Reforestation by replanting trees from industrial and natural destruction.  Many laws were pasted such as the Forest Conservation Law. (FCL)

Threats  Deforestation and lumber production destroys the forest and habitats of species.  Forest fires are natural disasters that can take out forest.

Plant Adaptations  Spring and summer is when they form thin, broad leaves that capture sunlight well. In colder times of the year this kind of leaf could risk damage and loss of water.  In winter, the tree stops sending water to its leaves. The leaves dry up, chlorophyll leaves, the leaves turn a color (which is the true color) and fall to the ground. Decomposers on the forest floors rid of the dead plant material.

Animal Adaptations  Migration- Long-distance travels made by animals during a certain time in year.  Hibernation- Long sleeplike state which an animal drops its heart rate, body temperature and breathing, in order to preserve its energy through the winter.  Food storage- Some animals find and save food to last them through long winters.  Camouflage- Animals develop colors and patterns to blend in with their environment.

Products  The cutting of forests can benefit humans to create things such as instruments, homes, desks, and many other things.  The trees can be used to obtain syrup.  Herbs also are useful for medicines and food.

Bibliography  p/index.htm p/index.htm  omes.htm omes.htm  p/locatns.htm p/locatns.htm  earthsysflr/clymo5.html earthsysflr/clymo5.html