The Coniferous Forest is a forest of Conifers (too much to handle, isn't it?). A Conifer is a tree that produces
its seeds in cones. The Pine tree is the most common example. Conifer leaves conserve water with the thick, waxy
layer that covers their leaves, also known as needles. The vegitation in the Coniferous forest is small in size, but
large enough to feed the vast herbivore population. Most of these animals survive the brutal winters by migrating or
hibernating.
Average Annual Rainfall- 14-29.5 in.
Average Temperatures in the Summer- 57.2°F
Average Temperatures in the Winter- 14°F
PLANTS
Many softwood trees such as fir, pine, spruce, and hemlock.
ANIMALS
Most animals are herbivores, however some carnivores and omnivores are thrown in. Animals in Coniferous Forests
include the red fox, moose, snowshoe hare, great horned owl, and the crossbill.
FUN FACTS
The largest Carniferous forest exists in a ring in Alaska, Canada, northern Europe, and northern Asia, in a ring
in the Northern Hemisphere. This forest is called the "Taiga".
Most of the world's commercial softwood timber, used for paper, comes from the Taiga.
Coniferous Forests are the largest land Biome of the World.
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTION
Why is the soil in the Taiga not very fertile?
