Boreal Forest Biome

Boreal Forest Biome Avery Gilks

Climate The average temperature in the boreal forest ranges from 5 degrees Celsius to -5 degrees Celsius. These forests receive anywhere from 20cm to 200cm of precipitation every year. This number varies on the year depending on long harsh six month winter because the majority of the precipitation is in the form of snow. The summer on the other hand is very short, usually only about three months, but because Of the cool summers there is little evaporation after the snow melt. Therefore the ground remains Wet and moist for the duration of the summer, furthermore the daylight hours become longer which results in rapid plant growth.,

Location The boreal forest stretches across the northern latitudes of the earth. Also known as the taiga the boreal forest occupies 29% percent of the land on earth. This biome can be found throughout Canada, Northern Russia as well as Europe. It forms the largest biome on earth.

Wildlife The boreal forest is home to many different species of wildlife. The carnivores that Frequent this habitat range from the cat family to the dog family. Bobcats, lynx and Siberian Tigers make their home in the boreal forest along with timber wolves, and coyotes and black bears as well as grizzly bears Many herbivores are also found in the boreal forest. Deer, elk, moose and bison are the largest of the herbivores but there are also porcupines, snow-shoe hares and beavers that make the boreal forest their home.

Birds There are on average 3 billion birds that migrate to the Boreal forest every year. These include wetland birds such as Geese and ducks as well as small birds such as mountain thrushes And sparrows. There are also birds that have adapted to the unforgiving Winters and live in the boreal forest year round. These birds include owls who use their keen hearing to locate small mammals beneath the snow, ruffed grouse grow scales on their feet which turn their talons into snowshoes, and black-capped chickadees whose feathers have adapted so that they absorb heat and insulate the bird while sleeping.

Plants There are many plant species found in the boreal forest but the most dominant would be the Coniferous trees. These trees produce their leaves in the form of needles which allow them to Carry out photosynthesis all year round. Example are spruce trees, fir trees and pine trees. There are Also a few deciduous trees found in the boreal forest, the most common are popular, birch and Aspen. Mosses and lichens also grow in these environments and they make up the diet of most Of the herbivores during the long winter months.

Environmental Problems

http://my.opera.com/cofoppyplop/albums/showpic.dml?album=371184&picture=5315211 – northern lights http://www.flickr.com/photos/11253518@N07/2152748622/ -owl http://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/Sect3/Sect3_5a.html - location hydetimes.com - grouse http://www.skolaiimages.com/journal/category/wildlife/moose-photos/ - moose http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/08/30-fascinating-facts-about-the-boreal-forst.php - tiger http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/boreal.htm http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-for-kids/0171-coniferuous-forest.php - coniferous forest http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=354

Boreal Forest Biome