Transcript Mountain Habitat

Important Questions and Answers to Know!
Georgia’s Mountain
Habitat
How would you describe the
mountain region?
The mountain region is northern most in Georgia and is
characterized by colder weather than Georgia’s other regions. The
land is more elevated and has poor soil for farming. The
mountains are covered with forests with many trees that shed
leaves in colder months.
Animals include black bears, whitetail deer, raccoons, bobcats,
trout, and opossums.
Plants include mountain laurels, pine trees, magnolia trees, and
the Cherokee rose.
The plants and animals are adapted for colder weather and living
in vast forest regions.
Why would the
mountain habitat be best
suited for this animal?
Whitetail Deer – The whitetail deer is a mammal that
lives in the northern regions of Georgia. Its hooves
allow it to walk along rocky terrain, and its fur helps to
keep it warm in winter months. The deer has a unique
digestive system that allows it to eat woody plants that
other animals can’t digest. They typically live in heavily
wooded areas, but that is changing as humans develop
in many deer habitats.
Why would the mountain
habitat be best suited
for this animal?
Black Bears (Mountains and Swamps) - Bears typically live in
swamps and forested areas, especially mature mixed pine stands
that offer a plentiful supply of natural foods and trees and thickets
that they can escape to for security. Standing, hollow trees are
common den sites for Georgia bears. Bears are considered
omnivorous meaning their diet consists of whatever is readily
available at that time of year. The majority of their natural diet
consists of berries, fruits, acorns, grasses and animal matter,
including insects or mammals-even deer. Bears can become
attracted to human food when their natural diet sources are
scarce.
Why would this habitat be
suited for specific plants?
Mountain Laurel – Mountain Laurel is an evergreen
shrub that typically grows on rocky slopes and
forested areas. The plant is poisonous to many
animals that live in the mountain region, which allows
it to thrive and not become a food source.
What are the features of animals
that allow them to live and thrive
in this region of Georgia?
 Thick fur to survive cold winters.
 Thick padded feet to travel over uneven land.
 Animals can migrate over large areas for food or shelter.
 Save energy during winter months when food in scarce
(hibernation).
 Depend on trees for habitats (birds like woodpeckers).
What are the features of plants that allow them to live and
thrive in this region of Georgia?
 Trees have thick bark to protect against cold winters,
insects, and animal invasion. Thick bark also protects
against trees drying out.
 Deciduous trees have thin, broad, light-weight leaves
that can capture a lot of sunlight.
 Deciduous trees drop leaves in fall to minimize water
loss.
 Pine trees have leaves that lose less water and shed
snow more easily than broad leaves. Waxy coatings
on needles prevent water evaporation.
 Pines have leaf blades that allow blades to move
freely in the wind.
What are the features of plants that allow
them to live and thrive in this region of
Georgia?
 Many trees have branches that droop downward to help shed
excess snow to keep the branches from breaking
 Wildflowers grow on forest floor early in spring before larger
trees grow leaves that block out the sun. Other plants can
“climb” up supporting trees to receive sunlight.
 Plants can grow in shady understory (ferns).
 Some plants are poisonous for animals to eat.
 Long root systems spread out wide or go deep into the ground
to absorb water.
 Animals help to spread seeds.
 Thorns keep animals from chewing on or stepping on stems
(Cherokee rose).