Boreal Forests (Biomes)

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CONTENTS Introduction

4

Boreal Forest Biome.

6

Where in the World?.

8

ClimiiUï of the Boreal Forest

10

Boreal Forest Seasons

12

Taiga Technology

14

Taiga Plants and Animals

16

Taiga Plants

18

Taiga Birds

20

Taiga Mammals

22

Endangered Taiga Animals

24

Forest Studies

26

Eco Challenge

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28

MakE! Plaster Casts of Animal Tracks

30

Further Research

31

Glossary/Index.....

32

4

BI0ME5

Introduction arth is home to millions of different organisms, all of which have specific survival needs. These organisms rely on their environment, or the place where they live, for their survival. All plants and animals have relationships with their environment. They interact with the environment itself, as well as the other plants and animals within the environment. This interaction creates an ecosystem. Different organisms have different needs. Not every animal can survive in extreme climates. Not all plants require the same amount of water. Earth is composed of many types of environments, each of which provides organisms with the living conditions they need to survive. Organisms with similar environmental needs form communities in areas that meet these needs. These areas are called biomes. A biome can have several ecosystems.

Boreal forest rivers are fed by glaciers in mountains. Animals can use rivers in the boreal forest for travel, food, and as a source of water.

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BOREAL FORIÎSTS

The boreal forest is the largest biome on Earth. It stretches 50 million acres (20 million hectares) in an unbroken band across North America» Europe, and Asia. Cold north winds blow across the snow-covered land for much of the year. During the brief summer months, fires sometimes flare, destroying parts of the forest. The boreal forest is home to many organisms that have adapted to this environment. Animals such as timber wolves, grizzly bear, lynx, moose, caribou, beaver, and voles live here. Migratory birds from warblers to whooping cranes spend their summers in the forest. Colorful mushrooms and lichens grow under the tall evergreen trees. Within the boreal forest are two main types of forests. One is called "closed forest" because the trees grow close together. These forests are shady, and the forest floor is covered with velvety moss. The second type of boreal forest is called lichen woodland. The trees here are farther apart, leaving more open areas where lichens grow.

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