|  | Public Health Safety | Environmental Health

The Role of Birds in the Forest Ecosystem

The forest ecosystem consists of multiple forms of flora and fauna, with birds being one of the most prolific and important species in the habitat. The food chain in a forest ecosystem begins with the energy from the sun, from which plants maintain their chlorophyll and produce fruit. The role of birds in the forest ecosystem comes into play at this point. The majority of birds gain most of their nourishment from this source. After eating the fruit and berries from trees, they contribute in a mutualistic way by disseminating the seeds throughout the forest floor.

  1. Seed Dispersion

    • Birds maintain a symbiotic relationship with many species of trees and shrubs within a forest ecosystem. In this type of a relationship, each partner receives benefit from the other. In the case of birds, they nest and eat the fruits and berries of the shrubs, and in turn help the tree to propagate by spreading the seeds throughout the forest in droppings. In some forest ecosystems, tall flowering trees are exclusively dependent on the intervention of birds.

    Pollination

    • Birds, as well as bees and other insects, are the main way that the reproductive process of pollination takes place. These species carry pollen to receptive trees of the same species, inducing fertilization. In forest ecosystems where birds are becoming extinct, tree populations are dwindling as well because of lack of fertilization. In this example, the forest ecosystem's interdependence can be seen. The whole food chain is effected as bird populations decline.

    Predator and Prey

    • Birds play a role in the predator/prey relationship in the forest ecosystem. The majority of bird species eat only fruit, but some large birds kill live prey to eat. These omnivorous and carnivorous species play an important role in maintaining healthy populations of small mammals and reptiles. In forest ecosystems that lack adequate bird populations, these smaller animals begin to overtake the area, causing another disturbance in the food chain and overall ecosystem. Larger mammals, like coyotes, for example, prey on birds, enabling them to survive and reproduce.

    Propagation of Species over Large Areas

    • Plant species are able to move to another region with the help of birds. Small remote islands depend on birds to populate fertile soil with non-native seeds. Regional ecosystems develop diversity as this process continues. It can be seen as a mutual relationship, as well, because the traveling birds will help to build and maintain an area where they can feed and nest.

Environmental Health - Related Articles