Forest Biomes Reading
Forest biomes are made up of trees and other woody plants. There are many types
of forests. They are located in different parts of the world. The climate is different
in each type of forest. Therefore, the plants and animals that can live in each type
of forest are different. There are three general types of forest that exist:
temperate, tropical, and boreal. Experts estimate that these forests cover
approximately one-third of Earth’s surface.
Check-In #1:
1a. What are the 3 types of forests?
2a. How much of Earth is covered by forests? (Hint: you can use a fraction!)
Temperate forests are found across eastern North America and Eurasia (Europe
and Asia). The temperatures of temperate forests vary (change) throughout the
year because of the four distinct seasons at these latitudes (distances between
north and south on the globe). Precipitation is abundant (great amount) and lends
to fertile (can grow many plants) soil that is able to support diverse trees like
maples, oak, and birch. Deer, squirrels, and bears are just a few examples of
the animals that call temperate forests home.
Forest Biomes Reading
Check-In #2:
2a. Why does the temperature of temperate forests vary throughout the year?
2b. What does fertile soil mean?
2c. What types of trees are you likely to see in temperate forests?
Tropical forests are common to areas near the equator, such as Southeast Asia,
sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America. Temperatures in tropical forests have
been reported to range between 20 and 31°C (68 and 88°F). Tropical rainforests
are the essence of biodiversity. Animals include the endangered harpy eagle —a
large predatory bird—which has become scarce throughout Central and South
America, largely due to habitat loss.
Bonobos an ape species that calls the tropical forests of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo in Africa their home, are also endangered. Deforestation and
poaching for human sustenance have caused their populations to decline.
Tropical mangrove forests, characterized by trees and shrubs that grow in salty or
brackish water, are found in the tropics and subtropics. Mangroves are trees or
bushes that grow in thick clusters along seashores and riverbanks. They have a
thick tangle of roots that sticks up through the mud.
Forest Biomes Reading
Check-In # 3
3a. Circle: What type of biodiversity do tropical forests have?
1) No Biodiversity
2) Medium Biodiversity
3) High Biodiversity
3b. Describe a mangrove tree.
3c. Why are the primates called Bonobos endangered?
The third type of forest is the boreal forest, also known as taiga. Boreal forests,
one of the world’s largest land biomes, are found across Siberia, Scandinavia, and
North America (Alaska and Canada). Boreal forests have a significant role in
removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Temperatures in boreal forests
are, on average, below freezing. Conifers, spruce, fir, and pine trees are the
predominant needle-leaf plant species in boreal forests. Moose and deer are just a
couple of examples of large herbivorous mammals in this environment. Most birds
native to the taiga migrate to find warmer conditions during the forest’s harsh
winters.
Forest Biomes Reading
Check-In #4:
4a. What do boreal forests do carbon in the atmosphere?
4b. What is the average temperature of boreal forests?
4c. What do birds do in the winter in boreal forests?