Forest Biomes

Chapter 9

Types of Forests

9.1 Coniferous ForestsObjectives

Describe the characteristics of the coniferous forest. Explain adaptations that enable organisms to survive in

coniferous forests

Many of Earth’s forests have been harvested to meet the demand for wood,

resulting in widespread ecosystem destruction.

Coniferous Forest (Taiga) Facts

Coniferous means cone bearingNorthern potion of the northern

hemisphereWarm summers long cold, snowy winters

(temperature range of -50 to +25)Needles for leaves - evergreen

Coniferous Forests Facts

Not diverseTrees grow in dense stands – blocks

sunlightSoil poor and acidicForest floor has limited plant life

Fern, lichens, sphagnum moss, fungi

Coniferous Forests Facts Heavy snow in northern forests (Taiga) insulates

groundKeeps ground from freezingProtects rootsHelps animals

Small herbivores eat seeds Large herbivores eat plants and bark Many species migrate or hibernate Growing needs for wood has led to tree harvesting

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Temperate Coniferous Forests

Exist where soils are too shallow or nutrient-poor to sustain hardwood trees.

Often less dense than Taiga forests—grasses can grow.

Winters are less harsh, so diversity may be greater Fire is important to the ecosystem, as in a

grassland.

Quick Quiz 9.1QQ T or F1. Coniferous means evergreen.2. Exist in Northern portion of the southern hemisphere3. Taiga has cool summers & short dry winters4. Conifers have needles for leaves 5. Taiga is very diverse6. Trees grow in dense stands – blocks sunlight7. Soil poor and acidic8. Forest floor has limited plant life: Fern, lichens, sphagnum moss9. Heavy snow insulates ground: protects roots & helps animals10. Small herbivores eat seeds & large herbivores eat plants and bark11. Large animal species die off in winter12. Growing needs for wood has led to tree harvesting13. Temperate deciduous forests exist where it is too wet for hardwoods to

grow.14. Temperate deciduous forests are more diverse than Taiga.

9.2 Deciduous forestsObjectives

Identify the characteristics of the deciduous forest Describe the organisms that inhabit the deciduous

forest

A tree that sheds its leaves during a particular season of the year.

What is a Deciduous Forest

Deciduous Facts

Grow in the temperate zones Temperatures from –30oC to +30oC 50cm to 300 cm of rainfall During growing season

Photosynthesis occursGrows rapidlyStores large amounts of food

Deciduous Facts Continued

During winterPhotosynthesis stopsLeaves lose green colorSheds leaves

Helps to conserve waterMinimizes snow damage

Becomes dormantConsumes food stored in trunk, branches and roots

Deciduous Forest Video

Types of Deciduous Trees

Maple Oak Beech Ash Hickory Birch

More diverse than coniferous forest

Deciduous Forest Levels Canopy

Upper branches of tall treesCaptures most of sunlight

UnderstoryYounger and smaller trees

Shrubs Forest Floor

Mosses, ferns and other plants; also fungi

Deciduous Leaves

Decay quickly Produce a deep rich layer of soil – humus Humus and leaves are home to many insects and

other invertebrates

Deciduous Animals

Man’s Impact on the Deciduous Forests

Very little original deciduous forest remainsLess than 0.1%

Cut down forFarm landLumberPaperFuel

Replanting the Forest

Replanted forests usually low in diversity The forest ecosystem regenerates slowly Communities come back slowly, if at all

Past, Present & Future

Quick Quiz 9.2 QQ T or F1. A deciduous tree sheds its leaves during a particular season of the year2. Temperatures from –30oC to +30oC3. 50 cm to 300 cm of rainfall4. During growing season: photosynthesis, grows rapidly, store large amounts of

food5. During winter: photosynthesis stops; leaves lose green color; becomes dormant;

consumes food stored in trunk, branches and roots6. Shedding leaves: helps to conserve water & minimizes snow damage7. More diverse than coniferous forest8. Types: maple, oak, beech, hickory9. Decaying leaves produce humus10. Replanted forests usually low in diversity11. The forest ecosystem regenerates slowly12. Only 30% of original forest remain

9.3 Rain ForestObjectives

Describe the characteristics of the tropical zone and the rain forest

Illustrate the complexity and diversity of the rain-forest ecosystem

The rain forest is the most productive and diverse biome on Earth.

Rain Forest Facts

Located in the tropical zones near the equator Average 25oC all year 100 cm to 450 cm rainfall per year Growing season lasts all year

A rain forest is a biome with a dense canopy of evergreen, broadleaf trees supported by at least 200 cm

of rain each year.

More Facts

Contain 70% to 90% of all Earth’s species Only 6% of earth’s surface but 40% of biomass Trees are the basis of the forest

Cyprus – Balsa – Teak – Mahogany – many more!Many reach heights of 50 - 60 m (195 feet)

Rainforest Video

Rainforest Structure Upper canopy

Captures 99% of sunlight Lower canopy Understory Forest floor

Sparse population Shallow roots

Tree trunks have buttresses to support tree

Rain Forest Soil

Thin and poor Most nutrients in top 5 cm Organic matter decomposes quickly and is lifted

back up into trees

Organisms

High plant diversity leads to high animal diversity Wide variety of habitats at different levels Complex food web Millions of species of plants, animals, bacteria and

fungi

Organisms of the Canopy

Deforestation

Deforestation

Rain forests have been reduced from 10% of Earth’s surface to 6%

The destruction of forest as a result of human activity is called deforestation

Because of humans need for space and wood The rain forest cannot regenerate! The many organisms will be gone for ever.

Quick Quiz 9.3QQ

1. The rain forest is the most productive and diverse biome on Earth2. Rain forests have been reduced from 10% of Earth’s surface to 6%3. The destruction of forest as a result of human activity is called deforestation4. The rain forest cannot regenerate!5. High plant diversity leads to high animal diversity6. Wide variety of habitats at different levels7. Complex food web8. Millions of species of plants, animals, bacteria and fungi9. Soil is thin and poor with most nutrients in top 5 cm10. Organic matter decomposes quickly and is lifted back up into trees11. Contain 70% to 90% of all Earth’s species, only 6% of earth’s surface but 40%

of biomass12. Many trees reach heights of 50 - 60 m (195 feet): Cyprus – Balsa – Teak –

Mahogany