FOREST ECOSYSTEM
Definition: It is a natural ecosystem consisting of dense growth of trees and wild animals.
Characteristic features of forest ecosystems:
1. Seasonality: In countries that have seasonal climates, forest ecosystems will change with the seasons.
2. Deciduous or evergreen: A forest may be deciduous (i.e. it sheds its leaves in winter) or evergreen (i.e. its leaves stay green and intact all the time), or it may be a mix of both deciduous and evergreen trees.
3. Different levels: Some forest ecosystems such as rain forests, feature several distinct levels – such as the forest floor, the lower canopy, the upper canopy and the tree tops.
4. Attractive to birds: Many bird species nest in tree tops and this makes forest ecosystems attractive to birds.
5. Attractive to insects: Many insects live in tree bark, leaf mulch or flowers and as such they find forest ecosystems very attractive places to make their homes.
Structure and Function of Forest Ecosystem
Abiotic: soil, sun light, temperature etc .
Biotic : forest trees, shrubs and animals
Structure:
Producer : Trees and shrubs
Consumer : Primary – elephants, deer etc.
Secondary – snakes, birds, lizards etc
Tertiary – lions, tigers etc
Decomposers : fungi, bacteria
Types of forest ecosystem:
The forest type depends upon the abiotic factors such as climate and soil characteristics of a region.
Forests in India can be broadly divided into 2 types.
1.Coniferous forests
2.Broadleaved forests
1.Coniferous Forests
• Grow in the Himalayan mountain region
• Temperature is low.
• Have tall trees with needle-like leaves and downward sloping branches so that the snow can slip off the branches.
• Have cones instead of seeds and are called gymnosperms.
2.Broadleaved forests.
• Broadleaved forests have several types, such as :evergreen forests, deciduous forests, thorn forests, and mangrove forests. Broadleaved forests have large leaves of various shapes.
Evergreen Forests
• grow in the high rainfall areas of the Western Ghats, North Eastern and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
• monsoon lasts for several months.
• Shed a few of their leaves throughout the year.
• No leafless phase.
• Only shade loving trees can grow in the ground layers as canopy overlap.
• Forest is rich in orchids and ferns abounds in animal life and is most rich in insect life.
Deciduous Forests
• are found in regions with a balanced amount of seasonal rainfall. • lasts for only few months.
• most of the forests in which Teak grow are of this type.
• trees shed their leaves during the winter and hot summer months and regain their fresh leaves just before the monsoon.
• Light can penetrate easily onto the forests floor.
Thorn Forests
• are found in the semi- arid regions.
• Trees are scattered and are surrounded by open grassy areas.
• can conserve water.
• Have long and fibrous roots to reach water at great depths.
• reduce loss of water
• some species have small leaves and some have thick waxy leaves. have thorns – protect plants from herbivores
Mangrove Forests
• grow along the coast especially in the river deltas.
• are able to grow in a mix and saline and fresh water, in muddy areas.
• have breathing roots. prevents soil erosion.
