Deciduous Forest Essay, Research Paper

The definition of a deciduous forest is a biome characterized by the presence of trees that lose

their leaves in the fall. I chose to narrow down this subject a little and do my report mainly on

the Temperate Broadleaf Deciduous Forest. It is mainly dominate in eastern North America. It

is very well known for its leaves which turn brilliant colors like brilliant reds, oranges and golds

in autumn. The shortening of days in fall stimulates the plants to withdraw chlorophyll from

their leaves, allowing a brief but spectacular showing of other beautiful colors before the leaves

are shed completely and plants enter an extended period of dormacy.

The temperature of the deciduous forest is associated with warmer continental and humid

subtropical climates. There is about a six month growing season in this forest. The average

precipitation distributed evenly throughout a year is about 20 to 60 inches . The non-growing

season is do to temperature induced drought during cold winters. The summers are warm. The

deciduous forest has four definite seasons.

The long summers of this biome support many life forms, but the cold winters still

provide formidable challenges. The cold weather and scarcity of food test the endurance of the

animals. Plants must find ways to ensure their survival through dormant periods, and to produce

enough seeds to continue their species.

The deciduous forest supports a diverse ecology. A warm growing season with abundant

moisture encourages plants to grow, and the ground is covered with small plants, flowers, and

grasses. In summer the tall trees cast shades on the forest floor, and shade-tolerant plants grow.

There are only open areas in which grasses grow without sunshine in this forest on occasion.

Ferns and wild flowers are abundant, and there are also many deciduous shrubs, such as some

berry bushes.

The deciduous forest biome is the home to many kinds of flowering trees. Deciduous

trees need a growing season of about 120 frost free days. When spring comes the trees must

draw to there reserve food to make new leaves. This takes time for the trees because the weather

in spring is still cool. But by the early summer trees can use some of the food to create a build

up of energy reserves and make seeds. In the autumn, the leaves fall. When the snow comes,

only a little of it weighs down the bare branches.

Animals found in this biome include deer, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, wood mice, and

chipmunks. Insects and birds are numerous. However, when the chill of winter weather comes

birds migrate south and some small animals hibernate. Some larger animals include cougars and

bears. They are less dominate than ever thanks to humans who hunt them.

The soils are fertile, due to plenty of leaf litter. There is extensive plant diversity in this

biome, dominated by broadleaf deciduous hardwood trees such as oak, hickory, maple, ash,

beech and more. The forests consist of 3-5 layers, which are relatively open with rich ground

flora. There are usually one or two strata of trees, an understory of shrubs, and low growing

forbs.

Melting snow in spring, and intermittent rain during the summer, provide water for

streams and ponds. Water birds, insects, and fishes are found in this biome. Amphibians such as

frogs and salamanders find homes and so do some lizards and small birds. Decomposers include

soil bacteria and many kinds of fungi.

Bibliography

Encarta Encyclopidia 1997

Comptons Encyclopidia 1993