Glossary

Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum
Forest Ecosystem

Defoliator

A defoliator is something that eats nearly all of the leaves off a tree. The gypsy moth is a defoliator.

Endangered

A plant or animal that is endangered may disappear forever due to their small numbers.

Forest Ecosystem

A forest ecosystem is made up of soil, water, trees, small plants, animals, insects, fungi, and bacteria. All of these things must interact to form the ecosystem.

Glacier

A glacier is a very large piece of ice that can cover areas as big as the state of Michigan.

Lichen

A lichen is not a plant. A lichen is one part alga and one part fungus.

Moss

A moss is a very tiny plant with very tiny leaves. A moss does not grow as tall as trees, shrubs, or other small plants. A moss grows in groups to form masses of green, cushion-like plants.

Primary Succession

Primary succession is the process of going from a glacier to a mature forest.

Secondary Succession

Secondary succession is the process of going from an old forest to a new forest. In secondary succession the old forest is destroyed, and a new forest grows in place of the old forest.

Serotinous Cone

A serotinous cone is one that requires heat to open up and release the seeds. The cone of the jack pine uses the heat from fire to release its seeds.

Snag

A snag is a dead tree that is still standing.

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