Q) Why are there so many rabbits on this Japanese island? Bell Task! Ecosystems Q) Why are there so many rabbits on this Japanese island? Ōkunoshima (大久野島), a small island located in the Inland Sea of Japan in the city of Takehara http://youtu.be/LMEmBp9MnIY There are no natural predators on the island to preying on these herbivore consumers!

Similarities and Differences Starter: Similarities and Differences Can you think of at least two ways in which rainforests and deciduous forests are similar and two ways in which they are different?

My Learning Objectives: I can describe the global distribution and location of temperate deciduous forest using a map and example countries I can give reasons for changes in the seasons in the biome throughout the year I can identify examples of a range of plants and explain how they have adapted to the ecosystem conditions I understand what the soil is like and how this connects to the types of plants

Mapping Skills This is a world map which displays the location of the major biomes (global ecosystems). Q) Describe the location of the world's Temperate Forests in 3 statements. Try to mention real places in your description. Using Compass Directions! Q) Explain why do you think they are located in this part of the world? LO1 - I can describe the global distribution and location of temperate deciduous forest using a map and example countries

My Learning Objectives: I can describe the global distribution and location of temperate deciduous forest using a map and example countries I can give reasons for changes in the seasons in the biome throughout the year I can identify examples of a range of plants and explain how they have adapted to the ecosystem conditions I understand what the soil is like and how this connects to the types of plants

Deciduous Forest 4 Seasons Q) Can you explain why the deciduous forest in northern latitudes has four seasons? LO2 - I can give reasons for changes in the seasons in the biome throughout the year

My Learning Objectives: I can describe the global distribution and location of temperate deciduous forest using a map and example countries I can give reasons for changes in the seasons in the biome throughout the year I can identify examples of a range of plants and explain how they have adapted to the ecosystem conditions I understand what the soil is like and how this connects to the types of plants

The Characteristics of Temporate Deciduous Forests Definition: Temperate deciduous forests are seasonal forests which drop their leaves in the winter. What do you notice about these pictures? Can you try and give some Examples of plants Come up with 3 ways in which these plants have specifically adapted to the ecosystem conditions. LO3 - I can identify examples of a range of plants and explain how they have adapted to the ecosystem conditions

My Learning Objectives: I can describe the global distribution and location of temperate deciduous forest using a map and example countries I can give reasons for changes in the seasons in the biome throughout the year I can identify examples of a range of plants and explain how they have adapted to the ecosystem conditions I understand what the soil is like and how this connects to the types of plants

Characteristics of a deciduous forest What does deciduous mean? Deciduous means that the trees shed their leaves in the autumn.. They drop their leaves in response to the reduction in light and heat, which enables them to conserve water. They are typically broad leaved so there is a great deal of potential for water loss. Leaf fall will happen early in some years if there has been a shortage of water in spring and summer. Canopy: This is the top layer of the forest which acts like an umbrella. The main trees forming this layer are oak and ash. The canopy trees can reach heights of up to 40m. Sub canopy: Herb/shrub layer: The sub-canopy lies beneath the canopy and it is here that smaller trees such as hazel grow. This is the final layer of plants – common plant life includes brambles, bracken, bluebells, wild garlic and ivy. Ground layer and soil: Finally there is a ground layer close to the soil surface. Here, it is damp and dark – ideal conditions for moss to grow. Soils that develop under these climatic conditions tend to be rich and fertile. Leaf fall enriches the soil making it fertile. The most common soul in this ecosystem is brown soil. LO4 - I understand what the soil is like and how this connects to the types of plants

My Learning Objectives: I can describe the global distribution and location of temperate deciduous forest using a map and example countries I can give reasons for changes in the seasons in the biome throughout the year I can identify examples of a range of plants and explain how they have adapted to the ecosystem conditions I understand what the soil is like and how this connects to the types of plants

Deciduous forests: Extension Questions: Describe the climate of a temperate deciduous forest. 2) Deciduous means ‘to lose their leaves’. Why do plants do this in this part of the world? 3) Why are the soils in deciduous forest so rich and fertile? Why do tropical rainforests suffer from poor soil? 4) Why do wildflowers on the forest floor grow before any other plants? Homework: Research Epping Forest to design a leaflet to encourage visitors to the area. Make sure it includes: Location details Some history about the forest Information about the vegetation and wildlife Activities which can take place within the forest

Summary: Pass the Picture! Annotate around the photos with one characteristic / or explanation for the existence for the deciduous forest that you have learned today then pass it on…repeat! Keep Passing on!