Biodiversity in Boreal ForestsThere is a wide variety of species and plants in Boreal Forests. These include trees, shrubs, mosses, lichens, mosses, and fungi. All species and organisms play an important role in the survival of this biomes.
Balsam fur is a common species of conifer trees which belongs to the pine family. It is often located in Northern Ontario. This tree can grow from 15-23m and has sharp needle leaves. It is crucial in providing shelter and protection for animals. It has adapted to grow in many types of soils and survive harsh weather conditions. It is also a very popular Christmas tree. Zizania aquatic is another common plant in the boreal forest. It is considered a wild grass that provides food for animals. It can grow from 50-100cm in bunches. Many native groups harvest this plants as food in Canada. |
Invasive Species
Succession
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Adaptations
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Adaptations are very important for plants and trees to survive in boreal forests due to many different weather and animal patterns.
One unique adaptation is used by a conifer tree. Conifer trees live in cold climates. This kind of cold weather can easily kill humans and other animals during a long period of time. These trees are specially adapted to protect themselves from freezing. Conifer trees exhibit a protective behavior called extracellular freezing. In this process, liquids such as water are pushed through empty spaces that are open on the tree. The water will freeze, filling those gaps. This protects the interior cells from the cold ensuring survival.
Another adaptation plants have developed is their physical shape. Many trees will have narrow needle-like leaves to capture more water. These leaves will also help by taking on less snowfall which enables the tree to stand nice and tall. These leaves are also darker in colour to help collect more solar heat to be absorbed.
One unique adaptation is used by a conifer tree. Conifer trees live in cold climates. This kind of cold weather can easily kill humans and other animals during a long period of time. These trees are specially adapted to protect themselves from freezing. Conifer trees exhibit a protective behavior called extracellular freezing. In this process, liquids such as water are pushed through empty spaces that are open on the tree. The water will freeze, filling those gaps. This protects the interior cells from the cold ensuring survival.
Another adaptation plants have developed is their physical shape. Many trees will have narrow needle-like leaves to capture more water. These leaves will also help by taking on less snowfall which enables the tree to stand nice and tall. These leaves are also darker in colour to help collect more solar heat to be absorbed.
Symbiosis
Symbiotic relations ships are very common in a heavily populated biomes such as the boreal forest. One mutual relationship is between the bees and flowers that inhabit this biome. The bees will fly around flower to flower and pollinate them as the flowers will provide the bees with food. Another form of symbiosis is a conection between birds and trees. Certain birds like woodpeckers will poke hole in trees and hunt down bugs that are harming the tree. For the birds it is food but for the trees it is protection.
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Energy pyramid of the boreal forest in Canada and Alaska