Group+4+Deciduous+Forest

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/images/bald_eagle.jpg
 * 2. Pick (1) one animal from your ecosystem and describe its physcial features/characteristics and how it has adapted to the seasonal changes. **

http://www.beverlyschools.org/schools/exploringecosystems/index.html

Meteorologist 1 - 4 . An ecosystem is characterized by its seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) Describe the weather conditions and the type of seasons this ecosystem experiences. Give high and low temperature ranges and note rain and snow precipitation.

Zoologist
 * 1. Gather photos** **or images of (5) five animals in your ecosystem. Copy and Paste them into your** wikispace.
 * 2. Pick (1) one animal from your ecosystem and describe its physcial features/characteristics and how it has adapted to the seasonal changes.**The red squirrel, like all squirrels is a rodent. They have strong teeth made to open pinecones and seeds. They have four toes on each foot with long, sharp claws to help it grab bark when climbing trees. They can support their entire weight when climbing. The red squirrel has a long bushy tail used to balance its weight while climbing a tree. The squirrel is about 36.5 cm. (13-18 in.) long, including their tail. They have ginger, red, brown fur over much of their bodies. Most have white fur on their chests. Adult squirrels weigh up to 350 g. (8-16oz.)

The red squirrel mostly feeds on seeds. They consume acorns, hazelnuts, chestnuts and beech flowers. They also eat fungi, berries and caterpillars. In the autumn, squirrels bury seeds and nuts. In the winter if these supplies run out, the squirrel may die.
 * 3. What effect does over-population have on the food chain?**
 * 4 - 8. List (5) five animals that live in your ecosystem. Describe at least (1) one characteristic about each, that helps them adapt to their environment.**


 * ** Ecosystem ** || ** Characteristics ** || ** What is its position on the food chain? (Herbivore, Omnivore, Carnivore, or Scavenger ) ** ||
 * fat dormouse || It can adupt well on woodlands but cannot well on wetlands.Lives on hollow trees, rock crevises, even wood pecker holes. || Omnivore ||  ||
 * European red squirrel || They have strong teeth made to open pinecones and seeds. They have four toes on each foot with long, sharp claws to help it grab bark when climbing trees. They can support their entire weight when climbing. The red squirrel has a long bushy tail used to balance its weight while climbing a tree. || Herbivore ||  ||
 * Eastern chipmunk || The Eastern chipmunk is a very cute little animal. It is a ground-dwelling squirrel about 5-6 inches long and weighing about 3 ounces. It is a brownish-red color. Its head has two white stripes above and below the eye. Its ears are short and rounded and stick straight up on its head. Five black stripes with white lines go down their backs. Its belly and sides are white and its tail is black above and rusty underneath. || Omnivore ||  ||
 * white-tailed deer || The fur of the white-tailed deer is a grayish color in the winter then more red comes out during the summer. It has a band of white fur behind its nose, in circles around the eyes, and inside the ears. More white fur goes down the throat, on the upper insides of the legs and under the tail. || Herbivore ||  ||
 * Least weasels || Deep in the woods of the Northeast Asian deciduous forest roams the least weasel. Its long slender body and sharp nails help this mammal hunt day and night. The least weasel is the smallest carnivore in the world. The least weasel's habitat consists of living in stone walls, hedges, farmland, and the woods. Least weasels avoid deep forests, sandy deserts, and open spaces. Male and female least weasels both have their own territory. || Carnivore ||
 * 9. Give an example of competition between animals. What impact does this have on survival? **
 * 10. Draw a food chain with your team members. **

1. Describe the soil type of your ecosystem? ** brown forest soil
 * BOTANIST
 * 2 - 4. Describe the height and appearance of (3) three forms of plant life. **


 * || Plant Life || Height || Characteristics (other than Height) ||  ||
 *  || [[image:http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/images/common_lime.jpg width="90" height="126" align="bottom"]] ||  || The common lime is a tall, stately tree, which grows in the deciduous forests of Europe, the British Isles, and the USA. In the USA it is known as a linden tree. It is the tallest broad-leaved tree in Britain. In the past it was found growing throughout the old growth forests of Europe. Today there are no original forests left there, but the common lime is still widespread because it is frequently planted along avenues and in gardens. The common lime can live up to 500 years. ||


 *  || [[image:http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/images/betula_papyrifera.jpg width="90" height="131" align="bottom"]] ||  || The White Birch is a small to medium sized deciduous tree which grows to 70 or 80 feet in height. As far as trees go it doesn't live very long, only about 140 years. Small hear-shaped leaves are found at the ends of drooping twigs and branches. The paper birch has both male and female flowers called catkins. These turn into little winged nutkins, which ripen in early August to mid September. The wings help the seeds to fly away from the parent tree so there won't be competition for food and water. ||
 *  || [[image:http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/images/betula_papyrifera.jpg width="90" height="131" align="bottom"]] ||  || The White Birch is a small to medium sized deciduous tree which grows to 70 or 80 feet in height. As far as trees go it doesn't live very long, only about 140 years. Small hear-shaped leaves are found at the ends of drooping twigs and branches. The paper birch has both male and female flowers called catkins. These turn into little winged nutkins, which ripen in early August to mid September. The wings help the seeds to fly away from the parent tree so there won't be competition for food and water. ||

Seasons
 * 5. What determines the height and ability for plants to grow within your ecosystem? (Consult with your other team members) **
 * 5. What determines the height and ability for plants to grow within your ecosystem? (Consult with your other team members) **


 * 6-10. List up to (5) five plants that are considered producers or decomposers: gather photos or images of them. **


 * <span style="color: rgb(0,0,0);">Plant ||  || <span style="color: rgb(0,0,0);">Characteristics/Adaptations ||   || <span style="color: rgb(0,0,0);">Position on the Food Chain ||








 * <span style="color: rgb(102,51,0);">11 Within the food chain of your ecosystem, what determines how fast or slow decomposition takes place? Support your answer. **


 * <span style="color: rgb(102,51,0);">12 How does the adaptation of a plant help its survival? Give an example. **


 * <span style="color: rgb(102,51,0);">13. How does competition impact plant life within your ecosystem? Name a plant and describe this competition within the balance of nature. **