Rainforests

Rainforests

B.C.’s Complex Coastal Ecosystem

Introduction

When we think of rainforests, broad-leafed plants and animals like monkeys, giant snakes, brightly-coloured frogs come to mind. We have a different type of rainforest in British Columbia—the coastal temperate rainforest.

These activities introduce the main animals and plants and the primary characteristics of our coastal temperate rainforest.

Objectives

• describe the characteristics of a coastal temperate rainforest.
• describe the basic needs of plants and animals in a coastal temperate rainforest.
• describe the characteristics of old growth trees.

Background

British Columbia’s coastal temperate rainforest is home to some of the largest trees in the world. The animals in this ecosystem over are adapted to the moist climate. The trees of the coastal rainforest use the 250cm of annual rainfall and can live to be hundreds of years old (old growth trees), and grow to be approximately 90 metres tall. BC’s coastal rainforest is dominated by coniferous trees, which makes it different from other temperate rainforests.

Common coastal temperate rainforest plants include:

• western red cedar
• western hemlock
• sitka spruce
• grand fir
• sword fern
• deer fern
• salal
• evergreen huckleberry

Common coastal temperate rainforest animals include:

• salamander
• raccoon
• banana slug
• crow
• black bear
• deer
• wolf
• cougar
• squirrel
• bald eagle
• bat

In a temperate rainforest, the forest floor is primarily made up of dead and decaying forest parts. This provides a rich nutrient base for new plants to grow in.

These forests are very complex and have a high coniferous canopy, a thick bushy understory, and extensive groundcover. These different layers in a rainforest are similar to the different floors in a sky scraper/condo tower. Some people choose to live on the bottom floor, while other people like to live higher up. Each person likes to live in different areas for different reasons. Animals are like this too.

Entire Lesson

These resources are free!
You must LOGIN to download the full lesson + activities. 

Other Resources

Science World at TELUS World of Science | Search: The Sara Stern Gallery
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre | School Programs
Stanley Park Ecology Centre | School Programs
Scientist in Residence Program | Life Science Lessons| Temperate Rainforests
Sierra Club BC | Education | Temperate Rainforest Ecology
WWF | Schools for a Living Planet | Forests Alive