Forests cover nearly one-third of our planet. They all have one thing in common: Forests have trees! In fact, without trees, a forest wouldn’t exist. Boreal forests are found in cold, northern regions around the globe while tropical forests grow close to the equator where the weather is warm and humid nearly all year long. Temperate forests thrive in areas that experience both cold winters and warm summers and have distinct seasons. So the trees, plants, and animals that are found in temperate forests must be adapted for a variety of conditions.

With rainfall spread fairly evenly throughout the year and soil teeming with nutrients, temperate forests provide the ideal ecosystem for many species to thrive. Large trees like oaks, maples, and walnuts dominate the landscape in the temperate forest. Their broad, green leaves gather sunlight during the spring and summer for photosynthesis and then change colors before falling to the ground during autumn. Other plants like mosses, herbs, and shrubs also grow in the temperate forest. And animals inhabit each forest layer, from beneath the ground all the way to the tops of the tallest trees. The temperate forest is something to be explored, from both the pages of a book and in nature itself.

THE TEMPERATE FOREST ECOSYSTEM

Temperate forests provide valuable habitat for many animal species around the world. They’re also brimming with flora that filter the air and provide oxygen, shade and cooling, timber products, and foods. This hospitable habitat is found around the world from eastern North America to parts of Europe and Asia.

Levels of the Forest

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Deciduous Trees

The majestic, broad-leaved trees growing in the temperate forest are called deciduous trees. These trees have leaves that fall every year during the autumn months. This may seem like a disadvantage, but falling leaves actually help the tree survive the cold winter.

During the warm months, when trees like oaks and maples are green, their leaves are making food through photosynthesis. This process uses carbon dioxide and energy from the sun that is captured by chlorophyll, the chemical in the leaves that gives them their green color. As the leaves make food, trees are able to store up energy for winter.

During autumn, leaves stop producing chlorophyll. The lack of green pigment allows other colors in the leaves like reds, yellows, and oranges to be seen. Most deciduous trees release their leaves when nutrients are no longer able to pass through the cells where the leaf meets the branch.

Without leaves, deciduous trees will be able to conserve their energy because they won’t be spending it making food. They will also conserve moisture because most of the trees’ water is lost through their leaves. Leaves that end up on the forest floor will decompose and add nutrients to the soil.

ANATOMY OF A DECIDUOUS TREE

A deciduous tree’s crown is made up of branches and leaves. The trunk supports the crown. Inside the trunk are different layers of tissue with the heartwood at its center. Made of dead wood, this strong layer is the most supportive. Surrounding heartwood is sapwood, which holds xylem tissue that transports water throughout the tree. Phloem, which moves food throughout the tree, is next. The cortex gives the trunk support and flexibility, so the trunk can sway and bend without breaking. Finally, bark protects the trunk from extreme weather, insects, and other damage. Roots spread out underground to keep the tree standing and to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

DECIDUOUS VS. CONIFEROUS

DECIDUOUS

CONIFEROUS

Life Cycle of an Oak Tree

PLANTS

ANIMALS

Most animals that make the temperate forest their home have the ability to camouflage or hide among the trees, plants, and fallen leaves. Furry mammals like bears, squirrels, deer, and foxes inhabit the forest year-round. Some make homes underground or find shelter on the forest floor. Others may climb to higher layers and use tree branches to look for food and move around the forest.

Winter Homes

RACCOON: Raccoons can sleep for longer periods of time to reduce the amount of food they need during the winter season.

BEAR: During winter, bears enter a state of torpor where they sleep more and are less active.

BUMBLEBEE : Queen bumblebees hibernate in small openings in the ground until warm weather returns.

GARTER SNAKE: Snakes and other reptiles brumate under rocks, under brush piles, or in small dens when the weather is cold.

WOODCHUCK: Woodchucks are a true hibernating species, spending the cold season in their winter forest dens.

CHIPMUNKS are tiny members of the squirrel family. Chipmunks dig elaborate burrows under the forest floor and hide the entrance beneath rocks and vegetation.

RABBITS AND HARES use their camouflage to blend into their forest surroundings. They can also escape from danger in forest burrows or run at top speeds.

PORCUPINES are found in temperate forests around the world. Some species are agile climbers and can be found in trees, while others make dens among tree roots or rock crevices.

BATS frequent temperate forests, often feeding on insects that live there. Tree cavities, leafy vegetation, or even cave areas are popular spots for bats to roost or hibernate.

GRAY SQUIRRELS are a common forest-dwelling species and spend much of their time high up in trees, where they make their nests in tree cavities or with leaves and twigs.

WEASELS inhabit temperate forests in many parts of the world. They often use dens (built by other animals) at the base of trees or near piles of brush or logs.

PREDATORS

For the temperate forest to be a balanced ecosystem, both predators and prey must exist. Predators are animals that hunt and eat other animals, and prey are the animals that are hunted. Predators tend to share common characteristics for hunting; they usually have sharp teeth, sharp claws, keen senses, speed, agility, and strength. Predators keep prey populations in check and help maintain plant populations that would be scarce if herbivore numbers grew out of control.

BIRDS

From tiny songbirds to ravenous raptors, a variety of winged wonders make their home in the forest. Some common groups include woodpeckers, turkeys, owls, hawks, jays, finches, and warblers. Insects, seeds, nectar, fruits, and small animals are potential food sources. Tree branches, hollows and cavities, and shrubs welcome nesting birds and provide shelter. Puddles, wetlands, and streams hold water to drink. Some species live in the temperate forest throughout the year, and others are seasonal residents.

Types of Bird Nests

Bird nests exhibit almost as much variety as bird species themselves. Materials used to construct nests may include things like mud, twigs, grasses, feathers, fur, string, and spiderwebs. Birds use these materials to build nests of varying shapes in branches, tree cavities, and even on the ground.

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Reptiles and amphibians spend much of their time on and near the temperate forest floor. This provides them the cover they rely on for survival.

Reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles have scales covering their bodies. They breathe air through a single lung or pair of lungs like people. Amphibians like frogs, toads, and salamanders share many similar characteristics but have skin instead of scales.

Reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic, or cold-blooded. This means their body temperature changes with the surrounding temperature. Because of this, reptiles and amphibians are not active during the cold season in the temperate forest.

INVERTEBRATES

Spiders, insects, and snails, oh my! Invertebrates crawl, burrow, wiggle, and fly. These animals do not have a backbone or spinal column like you do. They often have an exoskeleton, which is a hard covering that protects them.

Some invertebrates, such as spiders and centipedes, are predators. Earthworms and beetles are decomposers, breaking down the fallen leaves, dead creatures, and animal waste on the forest floor.

Bees and butterflies are pollinators, flying from flower to flower in the understory. And almost all invertebrates are prey species to larger invertebrates and many animals of the forest.

Invertebrates are most active in the warm months. During winter, they may experience diapause, which is like the invertebrate version of hibernation.

ACTIVITIES

Chapter 1 took you through the world’s temperate forests, where you investigated the plant and animal species that make their home in this dynamic biome. Now, you will put your knowledge to use by venturing outdoors to experience trees, leaves, fungi, animals, and more in the wild!

SCAT

FOOTPRINTS

OTHER EVIDENCE