Temperate Deciduous Forest
By: Maggie Gorham
Forest Facts
The Temperate Deciduious Forest is may be found in the Easter part of North America, the middle of Europe, and in Asia. This type of biome receives from 30-60 inches of rain per year. This region has four very distinct seasons. These seasons consist of winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Animals
Many animals live in this biome. The two of the top predators would be the Bald Eagle and the Black Bear. They compete for one of the same prey consisting of small mammals. The eagle adapts to this biome because in the winter it eats dead animals because of the decreased supply of prey. The black bear hibernates during the winter and spends his summer and fall filling up on prey. In this biome you can also expect to find the duck billed platypus. They are almost always found near water. They're bills have adapted to living near water so when they go swimming the holes will close up. The duck billed platypus does have other creatures competing for its habitat for instance turtles live near/in the waters. The bald eagle preys on the turtles keeping population sizes in balance. The eastern chipmunk and the Red squirrel have learned to live in areas near each other. They do compete for some of the same foods but have adapted to their regions and live generally in the same areas.
Plants
Since the climate varies due to the season changes many plants live here. The Temperate Deciduous forest provides rich soil for the American Beech Tree. This tree can grow up to 100 feet tall. Unlike the beech tree White Oak Trees can grow just about anywhere. They can grow to be just as tall as the beech tree though. In the deciduous forest also grows a lot of moss and ferns. Carpet moss grows on the ground of the forest and is usually found near a small stream of source of water. Lady Fern is a type of fern that can be found in moist areas or open thickets. Lastly you can find the Tawny Milkcap Mushroom growing here. This mushroom really isn't a plant but apart of the fungi kingdom. It can grow in the dark areas of the forest because they don't need light.lmAll these plants are able to maintain a stable life during all 4 season changes.
Concerns
Acid rain is one of the top threats for the Temperate deciduous forest. The acid rain comes from vehicle emissions and industrial toxins. Another threat is when non native species come into this territory and add to the competition with animals already preexisting in this biome. One endangered species would be the American Bald Eagle, not technically endangered but still a threat from poachers . Another is the red tailed fox. Without this biome many animals would not have a habitat to live in. It provides many different types plants and soil deposits for a variety of species.
Works Cited
S, Jeffery. "Deciduous Forest Animals." Deciduous Forest Animals. N.p., 2001. Web. 18 Sept. 2013.
"Temperate DeciduousForests." Temperate Deciduous Forests. New Hampshire Public Television, 2013. Web. 18 Sept. 2013.