Small coniferous forest. Coniferous trees names
Conifers are mostly evergreen plants, woody or shrubby, with needle-like leaves. The needles are needle-shaped, scaly or linear leaves. Conifers belong to the class of gymnosperms. In total, coniferous plants number about 600 species. It is difficult to list the names of all coniferous trees, but you can imagine a list of coniferous trees that are the most famous and widespread in our region.
Pine is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows everywhere throughout Russia, characterized by long needles and unpretentiousness to natural conditions. Sunny pine groves are a real natural sanatorium.
- a coniferous ornamental tree from the cypress family; many varieties of thuja are widely cultivated for landscaping parks and private farms.
- grows in the wild in the tropical zone, and is also successfully grown as an ornamental tree or shrub, the foliage differs from all previous conifers, the leaves on upward-directed shoots are arranged spirally, on horizontal shoots they are linear. Yew is very poisonous; only its seedless berries are edible.
– a coniferous shrub of the cypress family, used for ornamental gardening.
- a mighty tree of the North Ocean coast of America of the cypress family. Long-lived trees of this genus live for several thousand years.
is a beautiful coniferous tree that grows wild in the mountains of China.
The above list of conifers describes plants, each of which has many species - these are just the most common conifers.
In addition to those listed, coniferous species include: cypress, hemlock, ginkgo, araucaria, Libocedrus, pseudo-hemlock, cunningamia, cryptomeria, sciadopitis, sequoiadendron and many others.
Vast and picturesque coniferous forests stretch between the tundra in the north and the deciduous forest in the south. One type of such forest is called northern boreal, it is located between 50° and 60° north latitude. Another type - temperate coniferous forest, grows in lower latitudes of North America, Europe and Asia, at high mountain elevations.
Coniferous forests are found mainly in the northern hemisphere, although some can be found in the southern hemisphere.
This largest terrestrial biotope in the world consists primarily of conifers—trees that grow needles instead of leaves, cones instead of flowers, and seeds that develop in cones. Coniferous trees tend to be evergreen, meaning their needles remain on their branches year-round. The only exception can be considered the genus of larches, whose needles turn yellow and fall off at the end of each summer. Such adaptations help plants survive in very cold or dry areas. Some of the most common species are spruce, pine and fir.
Precipitation in coniferous forests is from 300 to 900 mm per year, and in some forests of the temperate zone - up to 2000 m. The amount of precipitation depends on the location of the forest. In the northern boreal forests, winters are long, cold and dry, and summers are short, moderately warm, with plenty of moisture. At lower latitudes, precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year.
The air temperature in the areas where pine and spruce forests grow is from -40° C to 20° C, the average summer temperature is 10° C.
Coniferous forests - an evergreen kingdom
Conifers grow where summers are short and cool and winters are long and harsh, with heavy snowfall that can last up to 6 months. The needle-shaped leaves have a waxy outer coating that prevents water loss in frosty weather. The branches, in turn, are soft and flexible and usually point downwards, so that snow easily rolls off them. Larches have been found in some of the coldest regions of our planet.
Evergreen forests consist mainly of species such as spruce, fir, pine and larch. The leaves of these trees are small and needle-like or scale-like, and most remain green all year round (evergreen). All conifers are able to live in cold and acidic soil.
All coniferous forests in the world are classified according to the following types:
- Eurasian coniferous forest with Siberian pine, Siberian fir, Siberian and Daurian ( LAndsister-in-law Gmelin) larches. Scots pine and Scots spruce are important forest-forming species in Western Europe.
- WITHNorth American coniferous forest with a predominance of white spruce, black spruce and balsam fir.
- Tropicalth and subtropicalth coniferous forest with an abundance of cypresses, cedars and redwoods.
Northern coniferous forests, such as the coniferous forest in Siberia, are called taiga or boreal forests. They cover large areas of North America from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean and are located throughout Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and throughout Asia through Siberia and Mongolia to northern China and northern Japan.
The duration of the growing season in boreal forests is 130 days.
Cypress trees, cedars and sequoias grow strictly vertically. The tallest of them can reach 110 m in height. The trees are usually pyramidal. The short side branches grow quite close together, but they are so flexible that the snow simply slides off.
(pine and larch predominate):
(spruce and fir predominate):
Life in a coniferous forest
The biome is noticeably higher compared to the tundra: there are 120-150 species of nesting birds alone, and up to 40-50 species of mammals. At the same time, the biodiversity of coniferous forests is significantly inferior in its richness to tropical regions.
Even evergreen trees eventually lose their leaves and grow new ones. The needles fall to the forest floor and form a thick, springy carpet of pine needles. The light, usually acidic soils of coniferous forests are called podzols and have a compacted layer of humus that contains many mushrooms. Filamentous mushrooms help decompose needles that have fallen to the ground. These organisms provide nutrients from fallen needles back to the tree roots. But since the needles decompose very slowly, the soils under such trees have a low content of minerals and organic matter, and the number of invertebrates such as earthworms in them is extremely small.
Mosquitoes, flies and other insects are common inhabitants of the coniferous forest, but due to low temperatures, few cold-blooded vertebrates such as snakes and frogs are present. Birds of coniferous forests include woodpeckers, crossbills, wrens, hazel grouse, waxwings, grouse, hawks and owls. Common mammals include shrews, voles, squirrels, martens, moose, deer, lynxes and wolves.
Too little light penetrates through the thick canopy of coniferous trees. Due to the constant darkness, only ferns and very few herbaceous plants grow in the lower tier. Mosses and lichens, on the contrary, are found everywhere on forest soil, trunks and branches of trees. There are very few flowering plants.
Currently, extensive logging in the boreal forests may soon lead to their extinction.
The importance of coniferous forests
Coniferous forests are the world's main source of commercial timber. Their use has many advantages:
- Except in very cold areas, they grow quickly and can be cut down every 40-50 years.
- Many conifers make good neighbors.
- Frozen soil makes it easier for machinery and vehicles to access wood in winter.
- Softwood has many different uses - paper, construction and furniture, etc.
- Coniferous wood can be easily harvested like a crop using modern technology.
Acid rain
Over the past 50 years, coniferous forests around the world have been affected by acid rain. The main reasons for which are:
- Air emissions sulfur dioxide power plants, industrial enterprises
- Increased emissions from power plants as well as from cars nitrogen oxides
These pollutants are transported by air masses to areas of Western Europe. Fifty million hectares of forested areas in 25 European countries are affected by acid rain. For example, coniferous mountain forests in Bavaria are dying. There have been cases of damage to conifers, as well as deciduous trees in Karelia and Siberia.
The most common conifers:
- Norway spruce
- White spruce
- Black spruce
- Canadian hemlock
- Cedar of Lebanon
- European larch
- Common juniper (heather)
- Fir
- Podocarp
- Western pine
- Caribbean pine
- Scots pine
- lodgepole pine
- Fitzroya cypress
We can confidently call it “the lungs of the Earth”, because the state of the air, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide depend on them. Rich reserves of timber and mineral deposits are concentrated here, many of which are being discovered to this day.
Location in Russia
The taiga spreads across our country in a wide strip. Coniferous forests occupy most of Siberia (Eastern, Western), the Urals, the Baikal region, the Far East and the Altai Mountains. The zone originates on the western border of Russia and stretches to the Pacific coast - the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Coniferous forests of the taiga border on other climatic zones. In the north they are adjacent to the tundra, in the west - with In some cities of the country, there is an intersection of taiga with forest-steppe and mixed forests.
Location in Europe
Coniferous forests of the taiga cover not only Russia, but also some foreign countries. Among them are the countries of Canada. All over the world, taiga massifs occupy a vast territory and are considered the largest zone on the planet.
The extreme southern border of the biome is located on the island of Hokkaido (Japan). The northern side is limited by Taimyr. This location explains the leading position of the taiga in terms of length among other natural zones.
Climate
The large biome is located in two climatic zones at once - temperate and subarctic. This explains the variety of weather conditions in the taiga. The temperate climate provides warm summers. The average temperature of the natural area in the summer is 20 degrees above zero. Cold Arctic air causes sudden changes in temperature and affects taiga winters; the air here can cool to 45 degrees below zero. In addition, piercing winds are observed at all times of the year.
Coniferous forests of the taiga are characterized by high humidity due to their location in swampy areas and low evaporation. In summer, most precipitation falls in the form of light and heavy rains. In winter there is a lot of snow - the thickness of its layer is 50-80 centimeters, it does not melt for 6-7 months. Permafrost is observed in Siberia.
Peculiarities
The largest, most extensive and rich natural zone is the taiga. Coniferous forests occupy fifteen million square kilometers of the Earth's land area! The width of the zone in the European part is 800 kilometers, in Siberia - more than 2 thousand kilometers.
The formation of taiga forests began in the last era, before the onset of and However, the zone received a detailed analysis and characteristics only in 1898 thanks to P. N. Krylov, who defined the concept of “taiga” and formulated its main characteristics.
The biome is especially rich in water bodies. Famous Russian rivers - the Volga, Lena, Kama, Northern Dvina and others - originate here. The Yenisei and Ob taiga cross. The largest Russian reservoirs - Bratskoe, Rybinsk, Kama - are located in coniferous forests. In addition, there is a lot of groundwater in the taiga, which explains the predominance of swamps (especially in Northern Siberia and Canada). Thanks to the temperate climate and sufficient moisture, there is a rapid development of the plant world here.
Subzones of the taiga
The natural zone is divided into three subzones, which differ in climatic features, flora and fauna.
- Northern. Characterized by a cold climate. There are harsh winters and cool summers. Huge areas of land are occupied by marshy areas. The forests are in most cases low-growing; small spruce and pine trees are observed.
- Average. Characterized by moderation. The climate is moderate - warm summers, cold but not frosty winters. Many swamps of different types. High humidity. The trees are of normal height; mostly spruce and blueberry trees sprout.
- South. The most diverse flora and fauna and coniferous forests are observed here. Taiga has an admixture of broad-leaved and small-leaved tree species. The climate is warm, characterized by hot summers, which last for almost four months. Reduced swampiness.
Types of forests
Depending on the vegetation, there are several types of taiga. The main ones are light-coniferous and dark-coniferous forests. Along with trees, there are meadows that arose where forests were cleared.
- Light coniferous type. Mainly distributed in Siberia. Also found in other areas (Ural, Canada). It is located in a sharply continental climate zone, characterized by abundant precipitation and moderate weather conditions. One of the common types of trees is pine - a light-loving representative of the taiga. Such forests are spacious and bright. Larch is another commonly encountered species. The forests are even lighter than pine. Tree crowns are sparse, so in such “thickets” a feeling of open terrain is created.
- Dark coniferous type- most common in Northern Europe and mountain ranges (Alps, Altai Mountains, Carpathians). Its territory is located in a temperate and mountainous climate characterized by high humidity. Fir and spruce predominate here; juniper and dark coniferous pine are less common.
Vegetable world
Even at the beginning of the 19th century, no one divided natural zones, and their differences and features were not known. Fortunately, today geography has been studied in more detail, and the necessary information is available to everyone. Coniferous forest of the taiga - trees, plants, shrubs... What is characteristic and interesting about the flora of this zone?
In forests there is weak or absent undergrowth, which is explained by insufficient light, especially in dark coniferous thickets. There is a monotony of moss - as a rule, only the green species can be found here. Shrubs grow - currants, junipers, and shrubs - lingonberries, blueberries.
The type of forest depends on climatic conditions. The western side of the taiga is characterized by the dominance of European and Siberian spruce. Spruce-fir forests grow in mountainous areas. Clusters of larches extend to the east. The Okhotsk coast is rich in a variety of tree species. In addition to coniferous representatives, the taiga also contains deciduous trees. consist of aspen, alder, birch.
Taiga fauna
The fauna of the coniferous forests of the taiga is diverse and unique. A wide variety of insects live here. Nowhere else are there so many fur-bearing animals, including ermine, sable, hare, and weasel. Climatic conditions are favorable for sedentary animals, but unacceptable for cold-blooded creatures. Only a few species of amphibians and reptiles live in the taiga. Their low numbers are due to the harsh winter. The remaining residents have adapted to the cold seasons. Some of them go into hibernation or suspended animation, and their vital activity is slowed down.
What animals live in coniferous forests? The taiga, where there is so much shelter for animals and an abundance of food, is characterized by the presence of such predators as lynx, brown bear, wolf, and fox. Ungulates live here - roe deer, bison, elk, deer. Rodents live on tree branches and under them - beavers, squirrels, mice, chipmunks.
Birds
More than 300 species of birds nest in the forest thickets. Particular diversity is observed in the eastern taiga - wood grouse, hazel grouse, some species of owls and woodpeckers live here. Forests are characterized by high humidity and numerous bodies of water, so they are especially widespread here. Some representatives of coniferous expanses have to migrate to the south in winter, where living conditions are more favorable. Among them are the Siberian blackbird and the wood warbler.
Man in the taiga
Human activity does not always have a beneficial effect on the state of nature. Numerous fires caused by the carelessness and frivolity of people, deforestation and mining lead to a decrease in the number of forest fauna.
Picking berries, mushrooms, and nuts are typical activities popular among the local population, for which the autumn taiga is famous. Coniferous forests are the main supplier of wood resources. The largest mineral deposits (oil, gas, coal) are also located here. Thanks to the moist and fertile soil, agriculture is developed in the southern regions. Breeding animals and hunting wild animals is common.
The coniferous forest fascinates with its beauty and aroma. It retains its crown at any time of the year, which is why it is also called evergreen. But besides its beauty, it serves as an excellent filter that purifies our air. Being in a pine forest for some time, you can feel a surge of strength, since the atmosphere of this place is saturated with phytoncides, which have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. That is why many people like to visit the coniferous forest and enjoy its air.
Evergreen tree families
Typically, a coniferous forest contains only a few tree species. The entire class of conifers can be divided into several families:
- cypress (juniper, thuja, sequoia, some shrubs and, of course, cypress);
- pine (more than 120 varieties of pine, cedar, fir, spruce, hemlock, larch);
- yew (yew, torrea);
- Araucariaceae (Vollemia, Agathis, Araucaria);
- legocarpids;
- Also, some botanists make a division into the capitate and taxodia families.
Features of evergreens
Coniferous forest trees have their own characteristic differences. Large breeds almost always have a straight, large trunk and a cone-shaped crown. If the plant is in a dense forest, its lower branches begin to die due to lack of light.
Conifers are also gymnosperms and are pollinated mainly by the wind. Strobili, or, in other words, cones, grow on trees. When they ripen, their scales open and the seed falls onto the soil, after some time it germinates.
In addition, it is worth noting that the coniferous forest zone is located mainly in the Northern Hemisphere (a significant part of it is taiga). This location explains the shape of the “leaves.” They are quite hard and have a needle- or scale-like shape; they also come in flat shapes, in the form of strips. Since the climate of the area in which coniferous trees grow is generally cold, they are given a dark green color to better absorb rare sunlight. Also, the waxy surface of the “leaves” does not allow snow to linger on the branches, while moisture remains inside the needles during frosts.
Coniferous forest and its plants
Compared to deciduous forests, the vegetation in coniferous forests is not as diverse, but it is not sparse. They contain many shrubs and herbs. In addition, there are mosses and lichens. The soil of coniferous forests contains a lot of organic matter, so it is too acidic for ordinary grass and shrubs. But the plants of the coniferous forest are designed in such a way that local conditions suit them. Most often here you can find nettle, celandine, elderberry, strawberry, shepherd's purse, acacia, and fern.
In such forests, moss feels best, which can occupy a significant area, creating a green carpet. There is a huge variety of mosses here, since the conditions for them are ideal. Due to the shadow of the crowns, the moisture practically does not evaporate, and the snow is in no hurry to melt. All mosses differ from each other in color and height. Some are capable of reaching 10 centimeters in height.
Interesting facts
The coniferous forest attracts not only with its beauty and benefits, but also with some interesting facts:
- Among conifers there is a record holder for height. This is an evergreen sequoia whose height exceeds 115 meters.
- The majority of coniferous trees are evergreen. They do not change their “leaves” from 2 to 40 years! The exceptions are larch, glyptostrobus, metasequoia, pseudolarch and taxodium, which shed their needles in the winter.
- There are long-lived trees on earth, and almost all the record holders among them are conifers. For example, in California there is a pine tree that, according to some estimates, is about 4,700 years old.
- There is a New Zealand dwarf pine that surprises with its small size. Its height is about 8 centimeters.
- Coniferous trees can save you from vitamin deficiency. These plants contain seven times more vitamin C than lemons. But besides this, they also contain other microelements, so a drug from these plants can replace a multivitamin complex from a pharmacy.
- The air in the pine forest destroys the tuberculosis bacillus.
- The strongest coniferous wood is larch. For example, Venice is still supported on stilts made from this material.
A coniferous forest is a natural area consisting of evergreen plants. Their unpretentiousness, lack of fear of excess moisture and large temperature changes, as well as the need for natural light, determined their growing area and unique characteristics.
Coniferous forests in Russia make up 2/3 of the country's total forest area. In this regard, Russia is a world leader. Of the world heritage of coniferous forests, the Russian part makes up more than half.
All coniferous forests in Russia are taiga, which extends mainly in the northern part of the country, occupies its European zone, the territory of Western and Eastern Siberia, as well as the Far East.
Coniferous forest zone
There are three subzones of the taiga, each of which is characterized by its own special vegetation:
- Northern.
- Average;
- South;
(Northern taiga)
The northern subzone of the taiga is predominantly dominated by spruce forests and low-growing vegetation. On the tundra side they are sparse, but towards the south they gradually become denser.
(Pine forest of the Urals)
The coniferous forests of the Urals are characterized by pine forests; the Far Eastern region of Siberia is represented mainly by larch
(Southern taiga forest)
The southern taiga boasts a wide variety of vegetation. Fir, spruce, cedar and larch grow here.
Forests in Russia are formed by only one type of tree or are mixed forest stands. Depending on the composition of the coniferous forest, it is also divided into light coniferous forests (pine and Siberian larch), as well as dark coniferous forests. The latter are fir, cedar and spruce.
(Typical coniferous forest)
In coniferous forests, the trees are usually tall with straight trunks and a large, dense crown. Some of them, such as pine trees, can reach a height of 40 meters. Such conditions do not allow a diverse undergrowth to form. It is represented mainly by moss, low berry bushes and mosses. New, young trees that also need light cannot always break through, and therefore more often grow on the outskirts of the forest and at the edges.
Coniferous forest climate
The coniferous forests of Russia have a special climate, characterized by warm and sometimes hot summers and frosty, harsh winters. Maximum temperatures reach 45 degrees with a plus and minus sign, respectively. This climate is suitable for coniferous species, which are undemanding to such temperature changes. For them, the main thing is sufficient natural light.
Another feature of the climate of the Russian taiga is high humidity. Precipitation rates here exceed the actual volume of evaporation. It is not uncommon, especially in Siberia, to find large areas of wetlands. This is partly due to the close approach of groundwater.
Human economic activity
The taiga territory is represented by wood, the volume of which exceeds 5.5 billion cubic meters.
Such resources, as well as the presence of oil, gas and coal reserves in the depths of the regions, determined the main types of economic activity in the taiga:
- oil, gas and mineral extraction;
- logging;
- timber processing.
For example, pine wood is used to make building materials, furniture, it is valued as fuel, it is also used to produce cellophane, rayon and, of course, paper.
Spruce and fir are also used as construction materials. Their wood is used to make paper, artificial viscose, etc. An interesting feature of spruce is its resonant wood, which is used to make musical instruments.