The World of Squirrels and Acorns

Welcome to the forest! This page will tell us all about squirrels and their relationship with the forests. You have probably seen squirrels in your yard or in a park. We all know that squirrels' favorite food is acorns. But, you probably don't know all the choices involved with how squirrels select which acorns to eat, which ones to avoid, and which ones to hide for later. Well, today we'll learn all about it! Put on your thinking caps and get ready to visit the world of red oaks, white oaks, acorns, and of course, the grey squirrel!

Did you know that some acorns are better for squirrels than others?

What do you think might make an acorn good or bad for a squirrel to eat?

A scientist named Michael Steele studied two common types of acorns: red oak acorns and white oak acorns. He found that squirrels use the following to choose when to eat certain acorns, when to hide them, and when to avoid them.

Choose one of the subjects below

  1. Energy
  2. Toxins
  3. Sprouting Time
  4. Insect Infestation
  5. How might all these squirrels change the forest?

Or choose one of these

  • Some experiments you can try at home

  • Review Questions to test your knowledge

    Other Tree Adventures

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    This document was last modified on Friday, May, 17, 2002 at 15:43:34