Life in the Two Forests
What lives in a forest?
Goal:
Goal:
Tropical rainforests and temperate forests have many things in common, but they also have many differences, too. Both are forests, and both are home to many different types of plants and animals. Let’s learn how they are different. Click on the tabs below to find out more about temperate forests and tropical rainforests.
Temperate forests are found across the United States and
southern Canada. They are also found south of the
Equator. These forests have seasons throughout the year.
They have cold temperatures in the winter causing some
animals to hibernate and others to adapt. The weather
does not get too hot or too cold in these forests.
Many types of plants and animals live in temperate
forests. Some trees, like pine trees, have needles.
Other trees, like maples and oaks, have leaves.
Squirrels, bears, deer, robins, and even moose all live
in temperate forests.
Rainforests are rainy. It rains all year long, and the
temperature is always warm because rainforests are near
the Equator. That is why there are more animals and
plants living in tropical rainforests than anywhere else
in the world. There are even animals and plants that
scientists have not discovered yet.
Some animals, like songbirds, migrate to tropical
rainforests during the winter. Most rainforest animals
live here all year. Sloths, toucans, macaws, monkeys,
and jaguars live in tropical rainforests. The plants
here have big leaves and large roots like fig trees.
Some plants, like rubber trees, provide things we use.
Question
How are tropical rainforests and temperate forests the same? How are they different?
Both types of forests are home to many animals and plants. Both types are forests. The tropical rainforest gets rain all year long and is located near the Equator. Temperate forests have seasons and are further north or south of the Equator than rainforests are.