Forest Habitat
A forest is an extensive community of plants dominated by tall trees. These trees are of different species and heights. The distribution of forests is mainly determined by climate, especially rainfall and temperature.
Characteristics of the Forest Habitat
- Dominated by trees and some woody vegetation
- Threatened by deforestation for logging, agriculture, and human habitation
- Plays a significant role in the global intake of carbon dioxide and production of oxygen
- Presence of tall trees
- Presence of buttress roots
- Existence of canopies
- Trees exist in layers or storeys
- One of the largest and most complex terrestrial habitats
- Presence of fallen leaves on the ground
- Trees have thin bark
- Presence of epiphytes
Strata in the Forest Habitat
- Upper layer
- Middle layer
- Lower layer
- Shrub layer
- Ground layer or forest floor
Distribution of Plants in the Forest Habitat
A variety of plants exist in the forest. Popular examples of forest trees are African walnut, mahogany, teak, oil palm, mosses, lichens, liverwort, fungi, and mistletoe.
Distribution of Animals in the Forest Habitat
Most animals in the forest live in trees. These animals include bats, monkeys, snakes, squirrels, birds, lizards, frogs, and chameleons. Some animals like earthworms and beetles live in the soil, while others live among the litter on the ground, e.g., millipedes, ants, and snails.
Factors Affecting the Forest Habitat
Climate factors that affect the forest include rainfall, temperature, winds, relative humidity, sunlight, etc. Rainfall and temperature are the dominant factors that affect the forest.
Author
Disclaimer
This content has been uploaded by a guest (third party). Please note that their views and opinions expressed herein are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosting platform or its administrators.