rotting log
Forest floor decay
A rotting log is a fallen tree trunk in the process of decomposition.
In ecology, rotting logs provide crucial habitat for fungi, insects, salamanders, and small mammals—a whole ecosystem in miniature.
The phrase appears in nature writing and environmental education: We turned over a rotting log and found beetle larvae underneath.
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- fungusSpore-bearing organism
- mossSpore-bearing ground cover
- mushroomsSpore-bearing fruiting bodies
- decomposingOrganic matter breaking down
natural decay · damp · damp earth · forest · forest floor · beetles · grubs · bark · mold · earthy · crumbling · termites · mulch · woodlice · lichen · humus · hollow · spongy
- forest featurespine trees, redwoods, old-growth forest, oak trees, sequoias
- reptile habitatsdesert, swamp, rainforest, pond, river
- forest debrisdead leaves, twigs, pine needles, leaf litter, tree limbs
- microhabitatsmicrohabitat, tree hollows, tide pool, rock crevices, leaf litter
- insect habitatsanthill, beehive, hive, nest, cocoon