Abstract: Coarse woody debris ( CWD ) is an important structural and funct ional component o f forest ecosystem s andplays a key role in keeping the integrity of ecosystems. The concept of CWD and its classification system were speci fied, and the dynam ics o f the domestic and abroad study on CWD w ere sorted out and summarized. Besides, it w aspo inted out that the eco log ical functions ofCWD had been attached g reat importance to by the researchers at home andabroad, especially those facets like the CWD storage, decomposition rate, nutrients storage ( C and N, etc. ), the processo f dynam ic change and its characterist ics, the influence on the regeneration and succession of forest ecosystems andb iod iversity protection, strong water and soil conservation functions of CWD ( inhibit ing water and so il loss, improv ingso il tex ture), and the function of seedling nursing re lative tow ater and so il conservation, w ere presented and stud ied.