Forest Ecosystem

Forests Forests are large areas of dense trees. Coniferous forests are mostly evergreen trees and deciduous forests are generally broadleaf trees. Due to temperature differences, there are tropical and temperate forests.

Forest Facts: Forests are distinguished by their: Composition – the kind of trees and plants Structure – distribution of plants on the ground and into the canopy Humans continue to use and change forests Temperate deciduous forests exist only in the Northern Hemisphere Conifers are generally evergreen Deciduous trees change with the seasons

Forest Climate Until . . . During the summer, it gets hot! During the winter, it gets cold. Until . . .

. . . Elevation comes into effect ! The higher you go up into the mountain: the colder the temperature gets, the thinner the air gets (thus making it harder to breathe), and the less you see plants growing there. As you go down the mountain: you start to feel warmer, your breathing becomes easier, and you enjoy the sight of beautiful plants and animals!

Forest Plants The 3 main levels are: forest floor, understory, and canopy. The forest floor is the soil, dead plants and animals waiting to rot away. But also as part of the forest floor is a layer known as the herb layer. This is where the grasses and wildflowers grow . Other plants, bushes and small trees make up the understory (also known as the shrub layer). The last layer is where the trees are and it is known as the canopy layer. 3 Layer Forest 5 Layer Forest

Effects on Plant Life * The soil, water, sunshine, temperature, rainfall, and fire influence what plants and trees grow in an area. For example: Trees are classified into two types of trees.

Coniferous Trees Coniferous trees are trees that grow needles instead of leaves, and cones instead of flowers. Conifers tend to be evergreen, that is, they bear needles and stay green all year long. These adaptations help conifers survive in areas that are very cold or dry. Some of the more common conifers are spruces, pines, and firs.

Deciduous Trees Deciduous Trees are notable for going through four seasons. During the fall, their leaves change color, then they begin to lose them. This is in preparation for the winter season. Because it gets so cold, the trees have adapted to the winter by going into a period of dormancy or sleep. This is how the trees survive. They also have thick bark to protect them from the cold weather. Deciduous trees’ flowers begin to grow again during spring and continue throughout the summer. Some common deciduous tress, also known as Broadleaf trees, are oaks, maples, beeches, hickory, and chestnut.    Temperature: -22°F to 86°F, yearly average is 50°F. The temperature varies widely from season to season with cold winters and hot, wet summers. Precipitation: 29.5 to 59.1 inches of rainfall per year Kentucky has both characteristics of a deciduous and coniferous forest, meaning you can find both deciduous trees and coniferous trees there.

Here are various types of animals that live in a forest! Forest Animals

In the End, Every animal and plant is part of an ecosystem. An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals interacting with their environment. Every living thing depends on each other to survive!

For example: Trees and plants provide food, oxygen and shelter for animals. The animals in return eventually die, rot and fertilize the soil so that trees and plants get their food. They also help with starting new tree and plant growth.