Mast (botany)

A mast is like a big lunch that trees have for all sorts of animals. When the trees have a good year, they can make lots of delicious fruits, nuts, and seeds. These all fall from the trees and become the mast for animals to eat.

For example, squirrels love to eat acorns, and bears enjoy snacking on berries. Birds like to feast on the seeds and worms living in the fruit.

So when the trees have a big mast year, there is plenty of food for everyone. But when there is a bad year, the trees don't make as much mast, and some animals may have to go hungry.

Mast is essential for the survival of many animals, and it's amazing that trees can provide so much nourishment for them!