Deciduous Forest Food Web

Organisms at different trophic levels in the deciduous forest depend on each other for survival.

1. Producers: Deciduous trees such as oaks, maples, and beeches are the predominant producers in this ecosystem. Small plants, flowers, ferns, and grasses are also abundant.

2. Primary Consumers: The second trophic level is inhabited by herbivorous animals such as deer, squirrels, rabbits, caterpillars, and insects.

3. Secondary Consumers: They are carnivores or omnivores that feed on the primary consumers. Secondary consumers in deciduous forests include foxes, raccoons, snakes, and bird species like woodpeckers, barred owls, blue jays, and cardinals that feed on the insects.

4. Tertiary Consumers: These apex predators feed on secondary consumers. In deciduous forests, apex predators mainly include larger predators such as coyotes, bobcats, and particular mountain lions.

The diagram below shows the interdependence of organisms at the different tropic levels in the deciduous forest biome.

Like all ecosystems, decomposers like bacteria, fungi, and detritivores like earthworms and beetles play an essential role in cleaning up the environment of the deciduous forest biome. They break down organic matter from dead plants and animals and thus help recycle nutrients into the soil.