Red vs. white oak

Why is it important to know specific species?

It is important to know specific species so you are able to determine how that specific species impacts the environment or also known as determine its niche.

What are the differences between the types of oaks?

The difference between red oak trees and white oak trees are the leave shapes. The white oak tree leaves have rounded leaves whereas the red oak either has a pointed lobe or spiny teeth on the margins. Also white oak trees acorns develop faster than the acorns of the red oaks. White oak bark has a more grayish tinge, and red oak bark is naturally much darker.

What is a niche and why does it matter?

A niche is a job, and it matters because this niche that a species has is how that species impacts the environment.

What are the roles that oaks play in the ecosystem?

A white oak provides shelter and energy during the fall and red oaks also provide shelter and nutrients. The leaves, twigs, and young shoots of oaks provide browse for deer and rabbits. Oak leaves also provide food to a diverse species of invertebrates. More than 100 species of vertebrate animals are known to consume acorns in the US. Dense foliage conceals nests of birds and mammals from predators. Many birds and squirrels use oak foliage for nest construction as well.

What is the best visual representation of your data that best supports your findings?

The map arcgis creates a very detailed and specific visual of the data collected. The pictures of our specific area also gives a detailed view of our findings.

After researching the species, the niches and the data, what oaks would would you plant to reestablish a forest? And why?

White oaks and red oaks, they produce high amounts of reusable energy for the ecosystem in relation to their biomass which promotes the highest number of other species possible.

Why is it important to have both types of oaks in an ecosystem?

It is important to have both types in an ecosystem due to the change of season that happens in an ecosystem. Red oaks acorns stay throughout the year. The entire winter and white oaks are used as food during the late summer and fall. Acorns are also most abundant on the ground in autumn and winter. Acorns supply energy at the time of the year when they need it most.

Ober, Holly, Value of oaks to wildlife. U of FL food and agriculture/science, 2014.