When you walk in such a forest the ground is often carpeted with fallen needles. Rains and snow water the forest, and the runoff water collects in streams and small marshy areas. These areas provide habitat for willows, aspens, beavers, birds and fishes. The primary consumers include many kinds of grubs and beetles, ants and other insects. Small rodents such as mice, chipmunks, and squirrels, and larger ones such as porcupines, consume plants for food.
Deer eat the grass and browse on the bushes.
Aquatic insects, crustaceans, and fishes also eat plants. Omnivores such as bears, racoons, and some of the birds eat plant products and also insects, small animals, and fish. The lynx and the wolves are the large carnivores that prey on the deer and on smaller animals. These form a level of Tertiary consumers . This system maintains a dynamic balance.