Temperate Deciduous Forest
Zach Lahey
Plant Life
The temperate deciduous forest has a variety of plants. All of these plants have to adapt to the cold winters in the temperate deciduous forest. The American Beach plant has to adapt to the cold winters by having rich soil which keep the roots growing. The Carpet Moss plant adapted to the climate by growing underwater, so the roots obtain moisture from the ground when there is no food for this plant. The Common Lime plant adapted to the climate by changing the colors of its leaves, so the leaves have to adapt to turn towards the sun when the leaves aren't getting enough nutrients. The Guelder Rose plant adapted to the climate by having very rich soil and having bark that can protect them from cold weather. The White oak tree adapted to the climate by being able to grow anywhere so they can grow on very hilly plains. Almost all of the plants have adapted to the climate by turning towards the sun, and by soaking up the nutrients in the ground.
Animals
There are many animals in the temperate deciduous forest. Most of the animals have adapted to the environment in many different ways. Some of the animals in the forest are deer, cougars, bears, fox, skunk, owls, rodents, birds, and insects. The bear adapted to the climate by being a great hunter and having thick fur for cold winters. This makes the bear warm in the winter and being at the top of the food chain can get yourself great access to food. The deer adapted by having thick fur and a great camouflage. When the dear have a great camouflage color this makes them not so easy to get hunted down by the predators . Coyotes adapted to the environment by having a great sense of smell to locate its prey. Coyotes also travel in packs so with many noses to sniff out food, it makes it easier to hunt. The chipmunk adapted by having well concealed burrows so that the predators don't eat them. The bald eagle adapted by having sharp talons to catch their prey. The bald eagle also flies high in the air, and they have great eyes to see their prey.
Animals Continued
In the temperate deciduous forest animals are fighting for food or helping animals get food all the time. One example of competition is between the bear and the cougar. Both of these animals eat the deer and they have to compete with each other to get it. One example of cooperation is coyotes eating there prey. Coyotes travel in packs so it makes it easier to kill there prey with multiple attacks on that animal. The weasel and the owl also have to compete for small animals or birds because they both feed on them. Some examples of predator, prey relationships include the raccoon eating small aniamls, the owl eating small birds, the bear eating the salmon, and the frog eating small insects. Another example is the bear, cougar, lynx, and wolf eating the deer
Climate
The climate in the temperate deciduous forest fluctuates depending on the month of the year. The temperature usually goes no higher then 90 degrees. The yearly rainfall is usually between 750mm and 1150mm. Temperate deciduous forests are best known for their seasonal changes. Leaves change color in fall, fall off in winter, and grow back in spring. This adaption allows plants to survive cold winters.
Vitals of the Temperate Deciduous Forest
There are many locations of the temperate deciduous rainforest throughout the world. They are usually found in Eastern United States, Canada, Europe, China, and Japan. The temperature for the temperate deciduous forest usually goes no higher then ninety degrees. The yearly rainfall is usually between 750mm to 1150mm.
Fun Facts about My Biome
The soil is very fertile and the hardwood tree is good for building houses, so this biome holds most of the worlds population. During the winter, it is usually frozen and unavailable to the animals.
Ecological Concerns
There are many threats to the temperate deciduous forest. Some include acid rain, deforestation, and new animal species being introduced. Another example is air pollution. We can solve these problems by not cutting down animal homes, carpooling to make less air pollution, and producing less air chemicals. In the temperate deciduous forest there are multiple species that are endangered. Some include the blue-spotted salamander, the eastern hog-nosed snake, and the wood turtle. The blue spotted salamander got endangered by the loss of its habitat and lack of water. Blue spotted salamanders live in rotting wood and they can't get water when there home gets cut down. The eastern hog-nosed snake is endangered by the loss of its habitat as well. The wood turtle is endangered mainly from pet collecting and habitat destruction. The global importance of this biome is that most of the worlds population live in this area including animals and people. The population for people in this area is growing so that is why there are animals getting endangered.