Some ecosystems are large. A forest is an ecosystem. The trees, grass, plants, and soil are part of the ecosystem. Birds and animals live there. For example, chipmunks live under the forest’s soil. They eat nuts from the trees. Hawks live in forests, too. They build their nests in trees. They eat small animals like chipmunks.

hawk

hawk

photograph of tall trees in a forest Trees are homes to many kinds of animals in a forest ecosystem.

Trees are homes to many kinds of animals in a forest ecosystem.

chipmunk

Key Vocabulary

  • forest n., a big area of land covered with trees

Before You Move On

  • 1. Make Comparisons How is a pond ecosystem the same as a forest ecosystem? How is it different?

  • 2. Details Name three parts of a forest ecosystem.