Forest Layers and Niches Map Assignment
Based on your observations…
1. Map out the forest layers that you observed.
a. Identify at least three tree "types" using the worksheet provided, and label them
on your map.
b. Identify at least three vertical layers or tiers to the forest structure.
2. Add animals to your map, identifying their appropriate location in the forest structure.
a. Identify at least three birds and locate them on your map.
b. Identify at least three mammals and locate them on your map.
c. Identify at least three invertebrates (eg. insects, worms, slugs) and/or nonmammals (eg. snakes, frogs, salamanders) and locate them on your map.
3. Choose three organisms out of the 12 that are on your map, and write a description of that
organism's niche:
a. What is their habitat? ("address")
a. Include food and shelter.
b. Include location in forest structure.
b. What is their role? ("occupation")
a. What does this animal do in its habitat?
b. How does it contribute to the overall life of the forest? (Think in terms of
animal-animal and animal-plant interactions as well as biogeochemical
cycling.)
Grading Rubric: 25
Forest layers
mapping
Niche descriptions
(1 of 3)
Niche descriptions
(2 of 3)
Niche descriptions
(3 of 3)
Accurate description created from
observed area. Includes at least 3
layers, 3 plant "types", 3 birds, 3
mammals and 3 non-vertebrates
(or non-mammals).
Niche described for an organism -includes interaction with a
minimum of one plant, and two
other animals. Includes both
habitat and function in system
(address and occupation).
Approaching
Expectations
4 Points
Meets
expectations
5 Points
Exceeds
expectations
7 Points
3 Points
5 Points
6 Points
3 Points
5 Points
6 Points
3 Points
5 Points
6 Points