Explore the role that acorns serve in the ecosystem and the organizational interactions that exist within a forest ecosystem. Then view a video about an environmental study that counts acorns that fall from oak trees.
oak
The Mighty Oak
The oak tree is more than just a tree. It’s also a symbol. And that symbolism is rooted (no pun intended) in fact. But before we talk symbol and fact, close your eyes for a moment and think about two types of trees: the palm tree and the oak tree.
The Oak Stands Tall
The eastern United States' mightiest tree, the oak, is in decline, possibly due to over-harvesting or climate change. Whatever the cause, scientists are trying to find ways to reverse this decline. Watch U.S. Forest Service researchers use fire to give young oaks room to grow in the North Carolina mountains.
Nutty Nuggets
Before I say anything about the importance of acorns in the forest, it’s important to start with the fact that the world’s biggest acorn is in Moore Square Park in downtown Raleigh. It’s fitting to find it there. After all, Raleigh calls itself “The City of Oaks.” And if it were real, there's no doubt this nut would produce a giant oak. The big nut is 10 feet tall and weighs about 1,250 lbs.
Acorns Count
The acorn is not only a symbol of fall, but the nuts are a baseline indicator of the current and future health of the forest ecosystem. U.S. Forest Service researchers studying acorns find a bounty of acorns indicates healthy trees and a plentiful food supply for the creatures that form the base of the forest food chain.