Download Turning a New Leaf Temperate Deciduous Forest Features of the

Audrey, Mari, and Alex
Temperate Deciduous Forest—period 1
AP Environmental Science
[email protected]
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/deciduous_forest.htm
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep8c.htm
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep8c.htm
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7867568_environmental-problems-temperate-deciduous-forests.html
Turning a New Leaf
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Features of the Forest: The soil is fertile and makes
for a great agricultural region. It is known for its abundance of deciduous trees which
change color and fall in autumn and regrow come spring. It receives rain year round which
develops a species-heavy biome with organisms from maple and birch trees to wild flowers
on the forest floor. The forest is almost always located near bodies of water and includes
water sources at the sites.
Climate: The temperature is generally mild. The average annual temperature
per year is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The forest receives about 30-60 inches of
precipitation per year which develops a strong ecosystem for many organisms living in the
rich soil at the forest floor.
Seasonal Information: The best time to visit is
during the summer (particularly July)—the average temperature in the summer is about 70
degrees Fahrenheit, not too hot or cold. There are four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and
summer.
Unique Features and
Characteristics: This biome is most cherished for its distinct
seasons and changes throughout the year. The winters are cold and summers are warm. In
the winter, the trees are unable to absorb enough water, so they drop their leaves. The
broad, flat leaves will then regrow in the spring and change color in the fall.
The Forest’s Five Different Zones:
~The Tree Stratum Zone: This contains large trees that reach 60-100 feet tall.
They consist of trees such as oak, beech, chestnut, hickory, elm, basswood, linden, walnut,
and sweet gum trees.
~The Small Tree and Sapling Zone: This zone consists of young and short
trees.
~The Shrub Zone: This zone is comprised of plant species such as rhododendrons,
azaleas, mountain laurel, and huckleberries.
~The Herb Zone: This zone hosts short herbal plants.
~The Ground Zone: This part of the forest is located at the bottom of the forest
floor and contains lichen, club mosses, and true mosses.
Plant and Animal Species: In order to survive
in this biome, organisms must be able to adapt to the changes of weather and temperature
throughout the year. For some animals, this means hibernating in the winter or migrating.
~Plants: Lichen, moss, ferns, wildflowers, and shrubs are most often found on the forest
floor. Hardwood trees such as maple, oak, birch, magnolia, sweet gum, and beech fill the
majority of the forest. Finally, conifers like spruce, fir, and pine trees are also found in
between the hardwood.
~Animals: There are birds such as broad-winged
hawks, cardinals, snowy owls, pileated woodpeckers,
white-tailed deer, raccoons, possums, porcupines, and
red foxes.
Tourist Activities: When
tourists come to visit the rich and colorful Temperate Deciduous Forest, they often spend
their time taking pictures of the nature, and watching for interesting species activity, rafting
in an enclosed water source, and fishing.
Environmental Issues: There are three major
concerns for Temperate Deciduous Forests: clearing, pollution, and invasive species. The
forests have suffered from serious alterations due to logging, conversion to agricultural land
and from urban development. Species richness has greatly suffered from this extensive
clearing. Human industry has been polluting water and air resources in the forest. Invasive
species have been introduced from time to time to the forests and have killed off some
native organisms, such as the American chestnut tree. Human-related issues are creating a
growing concern for the health of these beautiful forests.