Leaf litter provides habitat and food for many small organisms. Detritivores like fungi, bacteria, earthworms, ants and millipedes live in and decompose the dead plant material of leaves, bark and twigs. As the litter decomposes, nutrients are released into the environment to support plants. The leaf litter community provides shelter and sustenance for insects, spiders and small animals, and the decomposing process enriches soil quality.

1. Introduction to leaf litter community… Leaf litter or known as plant and tree litter is dead plant material, such as leaves, bark, and twigs, that has fallen to the ground. The portion of the litter that is not readily decomposable is known as humus. The animals, fungus and bacteria that live in and eat plant litter are called detritivores.

2. Some pictures related to leaf litter community…

3. Organisms found in the community… Litter provides habitat for small animals, fungi, and plants, and the material may be used to construct nests. As litter decomposes, nutrients are released to the environment. The animals, fungus and bacteria that live in and eat plant litter are called detritivores. Small animals Fungi Different types of plants Fungus Bacteria Frogs Ants Millipedes Mushroom earthworms &more Organisms found:

4. Relationships/interdependencereason… When litter decomposes, nutrients are released to the environment. This is very helpful for the plants living in the community as they need nutrients to survive. Small animals can hide from preys in this community as there is a lot of leaves. Leaf litter provides food and shelter for earthworms, pill bugs, millipedes and a multitude of smaller life such as eggs and larva of insects and spiders of many kinds.

5. Interesting facts… Mother Nature does not remove fallen leaves-and for good reason. Leaf litter provides food and shelter for earthworms, pill bugs, millipedes and a multitude of smaller life such as eggs and larvae of insects and spiders of many kinds. These creatures are all essential components of the food web providing sustenance to toads, frogs, lizards, and countless other animals. Nearly all backyard birds require protein from insects to feed their young. A yard without thrush and towhee mining for morsels in the litter and bluebirds and flycatchers snagging bugs from ground and air is a yard devoid of life. In a study of the effect blue oak litter fall (leaves, twigs, and acorns) on rangeland soil, researchers found that the improved environment for soil organisms under blue oaks leads to enhanced soil quality and fertility. Earthworms and ants attracted to this environment further benefit soil by mixing and aerating, fostering water penetration. Soil quality quickly declines upon the removal of the oaks.

6. Written by: Md Irfan 6^C2 Source: www.google.com www.wikipedia.org www.mymotherlode.com