Temperate Forest Ecosystems
Temperate forests are ecosystems with enough rainfall and sunlight for tall trees to grow. They also have a diverse layer of grass, shrubs, ferns and mosses on the forest floor. Temperate forests are generally cooler than tropical rainforests.
Temperate forests usually have four distinct seasons – summer, fall, winter and spring. The changes in weather from season to season affects the organisms in the ecosystem.
In fall, the weather begins to cool. To conserve energy, the leaves of some trees change color and fall to the ground. They grow back when the weather warms as spring approaches. During winter, some animals leave the ecosystem and return in the spring.
Temperate forests are home to a wide variety of mammals, including bears, squirrels, deer and rodents. The high branches and hollows in trees provide a safe place for many birds to live and raise young. There’s also a variety of invertebrates including snails, spiders, cicadas and beetles.
The Black Forest, located in southwestern Germany, is a well-known temperate forest. It’s characterized by a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, providing a habitat for various wildlife like deer, foxes, and a multitude of bird species.
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