old-growth forest
Ancient undisturbed woodland
An old-growth forest is woodland that has developed over a long period without significant disturbance from logging, fire, or human activity.
Such forests are characterized by large, mature trees, diverse understory vegetation, standing dead trees, and fallen logs in various stages of decay.
Old-growth ecosystems support biodiversity that younger forests cannot replicate: The spotted owl depends on old-growth forest habitat.
Also called virgin forest or primary forest.
- snagUnforeseen complication
- deadfallTrap using falling weight
- canopyOverhead protective covering
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- rainforestWet tropical woodland ecosystem
Pacific Northwest · Douglas fir · understory · nurse log · logging road · keystone species · biodiversity · carbon sequestration · silviculture · protected area · tree hugger · sequoia · cedar · endemic species · towering · deforestation · virgin · timber
- forestswoods, pine trees, maple trees, spruce trees, grove
- forest featurespine trees, redwoods, oak trees, sequoias, fallen log
- habitatsocean, lake, river, pond, desert
- Pacific NorthwestAlaska, Seattle, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington
- wild placeswilderness, rainforest, tundra, jungle, savanna
- woodlandswoodland, woods, timberland, grove, copse
growth, forest, old-growth, old-growth forests, virgin forest, primary forest