Georgia’s Mountain Habitat Region Important Questions and Answers to Know! Ms. Enright

How would you describe the mountain region? The mountain region is northern most in Georgia and is characterized by colder weather than Georgia’s other regions. The land is more elevated and has poor soil for farming. The mountains are covered with forests with many trees that shed leaves in colder months. Animals include black bears, whitetail deer, raccoons, bobcats, trout, and opossums. Plants include mountain laurels, pine trees, magnolia trees, and the Cherokee rose. The plants and animals are adapted for colder weather and living in vast forest regions.

Why would the mountain habitat be best suited for this animal? Whitetail Deer – The whitetail deer is a mammal that lives in the northern regions of Georgia. Its hooves allow it to walk along rocky terrain, and its fur helps to keep it warm in winter months. The deer has a unique digestive system that allows it to eat woody plants that other animals can’t digest. They typically live in heavily wooded areas, but that is changing as humans develop in many deer habitats.  

Why would the mountain habitat be best suited for this animals? Black Bears (Mountains and Swamps) - Bears typically live in swamps and forested areas, especially mature mixed pine stands that offer a plentiful supply of natural foods and trees and thickets that they can escape to for security. Standing, hollow trees are common den sites for Georgia bears. Bears are considered omnivorous meaning their diet consists of whatever is readily available at that time of year. The majority of their natural diet consists of berries, fruits, acorns, grasses and animal matter, including insects or mammals-even deer. Bears can become attracted to human food when their natural diet sources are scarce.

Why would this habitat be suited for specific plants? Mountain Laurel – Mountain Laurel is an evergreen shrub that typically grows on rocky slopes and forested areas. The plant is poisonous to many animals that live in the mountain region, which allows it to thrive and not become a food source.

What are the features of animals that allow them to live and thrive in this region of Georgia? Thick fur to survive cold winters. Thick padded feet to travel over uneven land. Animals can migrate over large areas for food or shelter. Save energy during winter months when food in scarce (hibernation). Depend on trees for habitats (birds like woodpeckers).

What are the features of plants that allow them to live and thrive in this region of Georgia? Trees have thick bark to protect against cold winters, insects, and animal invasion. Thick bark also protects against trees drying out. Deciduous trees have thin, broad, light-weight leaves that can capture a lot of sunlight. Deciduous trees drop leaves in fall to minimize water loss. Pine trees have leaves that lose less water and shed snow more easily than broad leaves. Waxy coatings on needles prevent water evaporation. Pines have leaf blades that allow blades to move freely in the wind.

What are the features of plants that allow them to live and thrive in this region of Georgia? Many trees have branches that droop downward to help shed excess snow to keep the branches from breaking Wildflowers grow on forest floor early in spring before larger trees grow leaves that block out the sun. Other plants can “climb” up supporting trees to receive sunlight. Plants can grow in shady understory (ferns). Some plants are poisonous for animals to eat. Long root systems spread out wide or go deep into the ground to absorb water. Animals help to spread seeds. Thorns keep animals from chewing on or stepping on stems (Cherokee rose).