Visit our forests of photosynthesis!
The Temperate Deciduous Forest has five different zones of plant life. Here is a quick breakdown of what they look like!
Plant 1- Carpet Moss
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Genus: Mnium
Species: hornum Carpet moss is a simple rootless plant. They are primary producers in their environment and grow typically in deciduous areas. When they are young they are a brighter green in color that darkens with age. Adaptation 1- No roots Because Carpet Moss is rootless it can grow anywhere sustainable nutrients are provided and the climate is adequate. This allows it to grow along stream beds and the bases of trees in our biome easily. Adaptation 2- Close knit community Carpet moss normally all try to live close together wherever they are so they can survive and reproduce more efficiently. Because carpet moss is a large food source for animals, and because they reproduce using spores instead of seeds staying close together is a great adaption for species survival! |
Plant 2- Lady Fern
Genus: Athyrium
Species: felix-femina Lady Fern is a deciduous, perennial fern that prefers the shaded areas underneath trees and along streams, where water is plentiful. Many people enjoy eating the younger stage of this fern, called a fiddle-head. Adaptation 1- Dry days The lady has adapted to the changing climate of the temperate biome by being able to survive better in dry air and soil. They are tough against drought and insufficient water supply. Adaptation 2- Tough skin The Lady fern has adapted to being a primary source of food for animals and to constant battering through storms and infrequent fires that it can survive and regrow through all of these things as long as the rhizomes(stem) are protected. |
Plant 3- White Oak
Genus: Quercus
Species: alba White Oaks are typically 80 to 100 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Their lifespan, if undisturbed can be anywhere from 500 to 600 years! They produce the acorns you see all over the ground. Adaptation 1- Taproot To prevent themselves from dying of dehydration White Oak seedlings produce a taproot that plunges into the earth farther than most normal roots to ensure collection of water. Adaptation 2- Acorns The White Oak seeds, also known as acorns are great at getting animals to do their moving for them. Despite the fact that many acorns are eaten by animals, the White Oak still has a high chance of reproduction due to the hard outer casing and shell of it's seeds. |
Plant 4- Bird's Nest Fungi-
Genus: Crucibulum
Species: Cyathus striatus The Bird's Nest Fungi is common in North America in the Temperate areas. It is a decomposer that plays a crucial role in recycling nutrients in an ecosystem. Adaptation 1- The cup effect Because the spores of the fungi are stored inside of their cup shaped fruiting body when rain hits the "cups" it splashes out violently and spreads spores elsewhere. Adaptation 2- Invisible Most Bird's Nest Fungi are very small in size, comparably smaller than a penny. This small size allows them to be overlooked by many potential predators. They are not edible, but are not considered poisonous. |
Plant 5- Tawny Milkcap Mushroom-
Genus: Lactarius
Species: volemus The Tawny Milkcap mushroom can be found growing in southern Canada and eastern United states. It is a fungi and is a decomposer. The Tawny Milkcap mushroom is edible! Adaptation 1- Staying Alive The spores of the mushroom, although edible, are super protected! Being eaten does not hurt the spores and they can be re deposited somewhere fresh and start growing again! Adaptation 2- Smell Another creative adaptation is the smell of these fungi. They produce a milky white substance when crushed, hence their name, and give off the smell of fish. This smell attracts animals that will spread the spores elsewhere through eating or carrying! |
Plant 6- Northern Arrowwood
Genus: Viburnum
Species: recognitum Northern Arrowwood blooms from May to June in our biome and it's telltale signs are small, heart shaped, pointy and serrated leaves. It also has small white flowers on the top of the shoots. This plant was used by natives to make arrow shafts, and prefers wetland areas. Adaptation 1- Berries! This plant grows berries that are fleshy and blue black in color. They are attractive to animals and when they are eaten their seeds are carried to where ever the animal, well... you know. Adaptation 2- Standing out The Northern Arrowwood can grow to be almost 15 feet tall! This helps it to collect sunlight to photosynthesize! |