The Temperate Deciduous Forest: Keystone Species

Alyssa Nucci 
AP Biology-4

The Temperate Deciduous Forest:

Keystone Species

       Keystone species are organisms within an ecosystem in which other species largely depend upon, furthermore upholding the sustainability of the ecosystem. In the Temperate Deciduous Forest biome,   a keystone species is the white-tailed deer. This is because their feeding activity can affect many plants and animals in the surrounding environment. White-tailed deer thrive best in forests with biodiversity. In the spring and summer seasons, these deer eat grasses, wildflowers, mushrooms, and woody plant leaves. As fall begins, the deer gravitate towards acorns, fallen fruits, and crops. In winter, deer eat woody vegetation such as twigs, bark, and foliage.

        Deer are preyed upon by wolves, coyotes, bears, bobcats, and humans. As prey, their carcasses can sustain other organisms in their environment such as eagles, ravens, crows, etc. Deer can affect the ecosystem's food chain as well. They are the primary prey of wolves, and as a result, wolf populations are directly dependent upon the deer population. When deer numbers are low or environment conditions are to the deer's advantage, wolves have a harder time hunting these deer, furthermore impacting wolves' prey. Deer also affect wildlife by spreading disease and parasites. Research shows that organisms such as moose have significantly been affected by the parasites carried by these deer.


ProvostJodie, Jodie, et al. “Ecological Impact of White-Tailed Deer on Our Forests.” MyMinnesotaWoods, 26 Sept. 2017, www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/2017/09/ecological-impact-of-white-tailed-deer-on-our-forests/.