Animal Biota for Peter's Woods

Unsighted Animals 

Animal Adaptations 

Why these animals are suited to the temperate deciduous biome

 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginlanus)

- builds up fat reserves in summer/fall, when food is plentiful, for winter when food is scarce

- dull brown/tan colouring is perfect camouflage for most situations in biome

- able to easily conceal themsleves from view (hard for such a large animal)

- white tail acts like a danger signal for others when raised

- has short summer coat to deal with heat, long winter coat to protect against cold
 
 

black bear (Ursus americanus)

- builds up fat reserves in summer/fall, when food is plentiful, for winter when food is scarce

- hibernates through winter, with a decreased metabolism so not as much energy required during this period, saves the animal from having to find food in winter

- unlike other bears, can climb trees , helpful in hardwood forests

- omniverous, can take advantage of any food source
 
 

woodpeckers (of the genus Picidae)

- feet designed for clinging to vertical tree trunks (1,4 toes point backwards to brace the foreward facing 2,3 toes)

- tail is stiff, used as brace or prop against tree to keep balance

- sharply pointed, strong beak used like a pick to hammer holes in trees for nesting/feeding/communication
 
 

raccoons (Procyon lotor)

- partially hibernates through winter, with a decreased metabolism so not as much energy required during this period, saves the animal from having to find food in winter

- omniverous, can take advantage of any food source
 
 

grey/black squirrel (Sciurus calinensis)

- makes use of plentiful nuts from hardwood trees (ie. oak) by making stores to supply them with a winter food source
 
 

eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)

- makes use of plentiful nuts from hardwood trees (ie. oak) by making stores to supply them with a winter food source

- has large cheek pouches that allow it to carry much more than normally possible for an animal its size (helpful when foraging for nuts, etc.)
 
 

eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus)

- because they make up a large portion of many predator’s diets, they have an incredibly high reproduction rate (each female is capable of giving birth to 60 young in the 7 month breeding period each year)
 
 

beaver (Castor canadensis)

- flat, hardened tail that is slapped on the water’s surface to warn of danger, also used as swimming aid

- have the ability to alter their environments by making dams, altering waterflow by using surrounding trees 

- specialized teeth used for gnawing down trees for food, building