Vegetation

Nature is full of cycles of all kinds. All parts of nature, big and small, participate in some gradual process of change or renewal, and lake ecosystems are no exception. You may have heard of the water cycle, the rock cycle, or the nitrogen cycle, but there’s another cycle that you may not have heard of: the lake turnover cycle.

As cycles in nature go, it’s relatively unknown—or at least I can’t remember learning about it in middle school science class when I learned about all the other cycles—but it’s just as interesting as the rest.

What Is Lake Turnover?

Twice per year, temperature changes cause the top and bottom layers of water in lakes to cycle up and down and trade places, or “turn over.” This typically begins to happen at 50° to 55° Fahrenheit, and it can only happen in lakes with enough depth for the layers of water in them to stratify into different temperature zones. In other words, shallow, small lakes are too tiny for this to happen—the kiddie pool in your backyard won’t be showing signs of lake turnover.

What Causes Lake Turnover?

Lake turnover happens twice per year: once during the changeover from winter to spring when the top layer of water heats up and mixes with the rest of the lake, and once during the change from summer to fall when the top layer cools and sinks.

This process has everything to do with the relationship between temperature and density of water, and how that relationship makes water form separate, unmixing layers. Water is generally denser the colder it is, except for ice, which is somehow less dense than liquid water (go figure) and water colder than 39° Fahrenheit (again: go figure).

At any rate, water gets denser as it approaches 39° Fahrenheit, which is the temperature where water is at its most dense. As water cools further than 39° Fahrenheit, it becomes less dense. This fact will come into play when we look at spring turnover, the stage of lake turnover that’s slightly … Read the rest of the story.

When you think of Qatar, what is the first image that comes to mind? Do you picture vast deserts and plenty of warmth, or do you envision a growing city that is bustling with life and a giant economy day in and day out? If you imagined either one of these scenarios, you are not incorrect.

Qatar, although it has rapidly evolved in the past few decades, was known for quite some time for its lack of trees and other forms of greenery.

Why are there no trees in Qatar?

Qatar has gone through a lot of changes in the past few decades alone. Once a vast desert with plenty of old buildings and crumbling infrastructure, Qatar has since been transformed into a wealthy, bustling city for those who can afford it. While the rebuild was occurring in Qatar, trees were not considered a top priority, and many that were left were removed entirely.

It is also important to keep in mind that Qatar is located in a desert climate, making it much more difficult for trees to survive on their own. There are specific trees that are suitable for desert climates and regions such as Qatar.

Causes of a Lack of Trees in Qatar

A lack of trees in Qatar can be explained by simply remembering that Qatar is in a desert climate, which can be extremely hot and dry year-round, making it difficult for vegetation to grow, including simple trees. As Qatar began to expand and rebuild, it created a giant metropolitan city of its own. Those rebuilding Qatar with their high-rise buildings and skyscrapers neglected to consider any of the trees or vegetation that stood in its way, thus leaving the city flattened without any trace of trees that once lived.

As the importance of trees and nature becomes more well-known throughout the world, initiatives such as manmade forests are becoming even more commonplace, even outside of desert areas such as Qatar.

Is it healthy to live somewhere without trees?

Not always. In fact, trees provide plenty of benefits in … Read the rest of the story.

Flamingos are one of my favorite birds. They’re so graceful and their color palette is simply stunning. However, I was recently surprised to find out that not all flamingos are pink.

There are several different types of flamingos, each with its unique color scheme. If you’re curious about flamingos and want to learn more about their coloration, this article is for you!

How Flamingos get pink skin

A flamingo’s pink skin is not a hereditary trait – this means that they were not born pink. According to expert Zoologists, flamingos are born white or dull grey. So how do they get their pink skin?

Well, it’s primarily caused by their diet. The food that they eat – algae, brine shrimp, and brine fly larvae – contains high amounts of carotenoids. These are the pigments in plants and certain sea creatures that give them their bright orange, yellow and red colors.

Once the flamingos consume these plants, the pigment is metabolized inside of the digestive system – turning their body and feathers pink. Some flamingos are brighter in color than others. This is primarily due to the amount of carotenoid-rich food they consume.

With that being said, the Caribbean flamingo is the brightest. In the Caribbean, carotenoids can be found in abundance. A fun fact to know is that flamingos eat upside down.

The reason being is because it has evolved to do so. Its top bill (beak) functions as a bottom bill and vice-versa. So, in other words, its bottom bill is much larger and stronger, so it has to turn its head upside down to eat to accommodate that.

This is the complete opposite of any other bird. They have long legs that allow them to wade in deep water to look for food. Once they find an area, they take their feet and stir up food from the bottom of the water – then dunk their head in to eat.

They use their tongue to filter out water or any other thing they don’t want to eat.

Can flamingos be other colors?

… Read the rest of the story.

The central tap-root of a dandelion grows up to 3 feet long, but for most dandelions, it’s 6 to 12 inches. If you’re like me, you have a love-hate relationship with dandelions. You might know them as puffballs, lion’s tooth, or monk’s head.

The bright, yellow blooms are harbingers of springtime, which I yearn for after a cold winter. But, when they invade my lawn, I get out my dandelion puller tool. The thing is, I don’t just pull them and toss them into a compost pile.

I take them inside, clean them off and eat them as a side dish with dinner or dehydrate the roots for later use. Did you know that you can eat all parts of the dandelion roots and leaves? But, if you’d rather not have pesky dandelions in your lawn, here’s what you need to know about dandelion roots, and how to get rid of them.

What Is a Dandelion Taproot?

The dandelion (Taxaracum officinale) is a hardy, perennial plant that grows in all kinds of soil conditions. The reason it’s so successful is because of its taproot. The tap-root grows deep into the soil, which protects the plant from several conditions, such as:

• Frost
• Heat
• Drought
• Overwatering
• Crowding

The tap-root is the main root of the dandelion’s root system. It carries all the water and minerals into the plant. There are also root hairs that grow out of the large taproot.

They are closer to the surface and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The tap-root actually stores the nutrients and moisture that the dandelion needs to regrow. This is why the dandelion comes back even if you pull up the leaves and flower stems or mow them down.

Will the Dandelion Die if the Taproot Breaks?

If the dandelion taproot breaks, but a portion of the root is still intact, a new plant will grow. As little as one inch of the taproot can grow a new plant. I found this out the hard way when my hand-pulling was always futile.

You … Read the rest of the story.

The cactus is the king plant of the desert, or any desert environment. Cacti can be seen sprouting up in any region with an arid and hot climate. One consequence of the spread of American civilization in the West was the reclamation of large tracts of desert.

But even where modern cities have been established, the conditions for growing cacti exist. Many urban and suburban residents of such regions have grown cacti in their gardens and communities. In many instances, this is done to better integrate the city with the environment.

If you intend to do this, then you should gain insight into how cacti work.

How Long Are Cactus Roots?

The root system of a cactus is unique in that it is necessary for the plant to retrieve water from deep inside the ground and disperse it widely throughout its wide body. Cactus roots can grow as deep as three feet into the ground and up to three feet wide. Cacti are tough and resilient plants that have evolved to survive the harsh and inhospitable conditions of the desert.

The roots adaptation system is one of the many techniques they have acquired to preserve themselves in the desert.

The Importance of Cacti Roots

Over the centuries, cacti have evolved to collect and store water for prolonged drought seasons. This is essential to their survival. Some have roots that are covered with thick and hairy layers that prevent the loss of water.

Other cacti have a fibrous root system with connective tissues that spread out to collect as much water as possible. Knowing the different types of cacti roots is key to understanding how the plant grows and survives.

Types of Cacti Roots

Here are some of the many different types of cacti roots:

1. Taproots

These are the most common types of roots found on the plant. Cacti send these long roots deep into the ground. Taproots are strong enough to provide stability and firm anchorage for the plant.

The latter is vital to the survival of the plant, as cacti … Read the rest of the story.

Gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing pasttime. If, like me, you work in a job that keeps you still and sedentary, if you are chained to a desk for the better part of the day, you should take up gardening. It is nice to go into the air and sun and dig your hands into the earth to plant a few seeds.

Not all your endeavors need to end with decorative plants and flowers. Depending on where you live, the quality of your soil, and the size of your garden, you may be able to grow fruits and vegetables that you can eat. I like to grow avocados in my garden. There are a great many dishes that can be made with them.

They can also be served as a main dish on their own, and I have discovered a range of dishes that make this possible. The avocado is as good a plant as any to start a gardening hobby. However, you should know something about the plant and how to grow, nurture, and care for it.

How Long Are Avocado Plant Roots?

Avocado is native to warm and arid areas of North and South America. Hardier forms of it grow in subtropical climates such as California, Hawaii, Florida, and the Mediterranean. Plants and trees grow by sprouting roots and taking nutrients from the earth.

When growing anything in your garden, you must know how long and wide such roots will grow. This can affect other structures in your backyard and the gardens of homes next to yours. Most avocado feeder roots grow in the top 6 inches of soil.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the roots grow outward in all directions, reaching well beyond the avocado tree itself. The avocado plant prefers loose and well-drained soil, and it is highly tolerant of acidic and alkaline soil conditions.

Caring for Avocado Roots

Avocado roots are relatively shallow. This makes the plant vulnerable to damage from large amounts of rain, flooding, and overwatering. If the plant … Read the rest of the story.

Bamboo is a great plant to have in your garden but if the roots are not maintained well enough, they may spread extremely quickly and cause damage. If you wish to eliminate the bamboo plant or regulate its roots, the first thing you need to do is determine how long the roots are in the first place. Don’t worry, I will explain how long bamboo roots are and everything else you need to know about them in the following post.

“The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, the third year it leaps.”

How Long Are Bamboo Roots?

The most important thing to know is that bamboo roots are typically thin and fibrous, and they may grow as long as 2 to 3 feet. A bamboo plant has rhizomes, (the component of the plant that spreads), which are normally just a few inches deep, seldom exceeding 12 inches. If you prune your trees yearly, you will have an easier time finding them.

Even though certain varieties of bamboo plants grow longer roots or shorter than others, the majority of the varieties do not grow more than 3 feet. In addition, the rhizomes will never grow deeper than 12 inches. If bamboo roots are not controlled, they may develop quite quickly.

Based on the kind of bamboo plant used, you may find that the roots may even grow as long as 5 feet. Other bamboo roots also grow about 2 and 6 feet every year, depending on the kind of bamboo being used. These figures are quite broad; nonetheless, they are strongly influenced by the zone in which your bamboo plants are growing as well as the kind of bamboo that is growing in your garden.

What Can I Do to Keep My Bamboo Roots Under Control?

The most straightforward method of controlling bamboo is to restrict the size of the area in which its rhizomes (roots) may expand. If you keep rhizomes under control and prune back undesired new shoots, you may enable them to develop without having to worry about spreading. … Read the rest of the story.

Australia forms part of the Oceania Continent. It is characterized by hot, dry conditions, with the massive “Outback” region making up its bulk. However, would you believe that this hot, dry region is also home to some spectacular forests? Below we look at the types of forests found in Australia.

The total forested area of Australia is around 331 million acres, which is around 17% of the country, divided into eight forest types. The bulk of the forested areas are found in Queensland (39%), the Northern Territory (18%), Western Australia (16%), and New South Wales (15%).

Australia is a vast country (2969 million square miles) with different microclimates spread across it. These localized conditions, in turn, influence the type of vegetation, and by extension, the type of forest found there. But where exactly do they occur? And what differentiates them?

An Overview Of The Types Of Forests Found In Australia

Globally, the three broad classifications for forests are Tropical, Temperate, and Boreal.

Each of these forests differs in location, climate (rainfall and temperature), altitude, parent geology, and species found.

The forests which are found in Australia fall under Tropical and Temperate Rainforests.

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere at 25.2744° S, 133.7751° E, far from the equator, but on top of the tropic of Capricorn. So, although there are no equatorial forests, the occurrence of tropical forests is not surprising.

Australia’s northern regions are tropical, moving down the east coast to subtropical and temperate in the southeast.

Both the southwest and some areas in the southeast are classified as Mediterranean climates.

Forests cover around 17% of Australia’s landmass. Of these forests, 98% are considered to be “native”; while the rest are “commercial plantations” and “other” (small scale planted forests, farms, and alien species).

When looking at a distribution map, we see that Australia’s forests follow the coastline almost the entire way around, except for the northwest region.

Australia’s forests have been divided into eight different “types.”

These categories are based on the prominent species found there or the structure … Read the rest of the story.

Alaska, with 424.5 million acres, is the biggest state in the United States. It is so large that you could fit California, Montana, and Texas inside the state and still have land left over. But Alaska isn’t all frozen glaziers and tundra.

Thirty-five percent of Alaska is forested. So, what types of forests are in Alaska?

Alaska has three State Forests and two National Forests: Chugach National Forest and Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. Coastal forests have Western hemlock and Sitka spruce. The interior forests contain white spruce, birch, and poplars.

Alaska only has around 734,000 residents, but ecologically it is a giant, containing a third of U.S. federal lands. Thirty percent of the U.S. coastline and sixty-three percent of the nation’s wetlands are in Alaska. It’s also home to the world’s biggest intact temperate rainforest.

But even the boreal forests in the Alaskan interior are vital for our world’s carbon storage.

Table of Contents

• 2 National Forests In Alaska
  • Chugach National Forest
  • Tongass National Forest
• 3 State Forests In Alaska
  • Haines State Forest
  • Southeast State Forest
  • Tanana Valley State Forest
• Types of Trees in Alaskan Forests
  • 6 Types of Trees in Alaskan Interior Forests
    • Balsam Poplar
    • Black Spruce
    • Larch (Tamarack)
    • Paper Birch
    • Quaking Aspen
  • 6 Other Common Trees In Alaskan Forests
    • Alder
    • Black Cottonwood
    • Sitka Spruce
    • Western Hemlock
    • White Spruce
    • Willows

2 National Forests In Alaska

Alaska may only have two National Forests, but they are huge, around the size of two U.S. states. These diverse parks are home to an abundance of waterways, mountains, glaciers, bogs, and, of course, trees.

Chugach National Forest

The Chugach National Forest is the United States’ most northernly National Forest and, at 5.4 million acres, making it roughly the size of New Hampshire. The park is divided into three major areas: Copper River Delta, the Eastern Kenai Peninsula, and the Prince William Sound.

The Chugach National Forest hosts a wide diversity in both landscape and wildlife. It is home … Read the rest of the story.

The Yukon Territory is an icy, low populated region where you can genuinely appreciate the marvels of mother nature. One of which is that a predominant part of the Yukon is protected forests.

The primary part of the Yukon Territory consists of Boreal Forest, which grows in the Northern Hemisphere at latitudes between the Arctic and 50° North. It comprises coniferous (plants with cones) and deciduous (lose their leaves) trees growing in swampy, damp forests.

In my search for the secrets of the Yukon, I came across more than what I bargained for. These are some of the interesting facts I’ve learned.

Table of Contents

• Types Of Forests In The Yukon
• What Type Of Land Is The Yukon?
• Permafrost In The Yukon
• Animals In The Yukon
• People In The Yukon
• Forest Fires In The Yukon?
• Why Is Protecting The Yukon Important?
• What’s The Yukon Known For?
• 20 Interesting Facts About The Yukon Territory
• Conclusion

Types Of Forests In The Yukon

The primary forest situated in the Yukon is the Boreal Forest, also known as taiga. It’s a Russian word describing the type of forest generally consisting of moist and swampy trees and is commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere close to the Arctic.

There is a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees in the Boreal Forest. Evergreen coniferous trees and shrubs typically have needle-shaped leaves and cultivate cones to reproduce seeds. Deciduous trees are plants and trees that shed their leaves seasonally as the temperature changes.

White Spruce and Lodgepole Trees dominate the Yukon forests, and commercial logging is only allowed in some southern regions. Smaller non-commercial sawmills operate in some parts to create lumber for building and mining materials or fuel. However, fuel oil is now predominantly imported, replacing locally sourced wood and coal as the principal fuel supply.

Some settlements venture into agricultural activities, but farming is not viable in most locations due to the climate and soil conditions. The region’s trees’ growth is stunted by the severe climate conditions characterized by long, cold winters and … Read the rest of the story.

Quebec is wealthy in history, culture, and natural beauty. Much of its beauty is attributed to its forests. They have proved to be a tremendous boon to the economy of the villages, towns, and cities that border them.

As a hiking enthusiast and lover of the outdoors, I have often considered the forest a second home! Their majesty can seldom be put into words, yet they are essential to the survival of Quebec!

Quebec is divided into three forest types: Northern temperate forests, Arctic forests, and Boreal forests. The Northern Forests consist of deciduous and mixed-forest regions. Boreal Forests are diverse with a tundra region. Arctic Forests has permafrost with no trees, contains fauna and flora.

Every forest in Quebec is vibrant within its ecosystem. It is host to many interesting facts that speak of its uniqueness. So, what types of forests are there in Quebec?

Table of Contents

• Types of Forests in Quebec
• What Biomes Exist In Quebec?
• What Kind Of Trees Are In Quebec?
• What Fauna Can You Find In Quebec?
• How Do The Forests Of Quebec Affect Seasons?
• What Flora Grows In The Forests Of Quebec?
• Some Of Quebec’s Greatest Hiking Trails
• Quebec’s Endangered Fauna
• What Are Quebec’s National Parks?
• How Does Quebec Look After Their Forests?
• Wildfires In Quebec’s Forests
• Conclusion

Types of Forests in Quebec

The forests of Quebec are somewhat extreme, especially in regards to climatic conditions. They tend to be either very hot or very cold, scarcely being somewhere in the middle. In January for example, temperatures are usually around −11 º°F (−24 °ºC), and in February it is at an average of 14 °ºF (−10 °ºC) and rising afterward.

Northern Temperate Forest has a deciduous forest region containing hardwood trees. Windthrow is common in this region, whereby trees are uprooted because of the strong winds and storms traveling through the area. The Northern Forests are known for their abundance of Maples, Hickory, and Basswood vegetation.

The Boreal Forest comprises three diverse sub-zones: Boreal, Taiga, and Tundra. … Read the rest of the story.

If you’ve ever spent the night under a starry sky, you’ve truly lived. Camping is a favorite of my family because it makes us realize how small we truly are! Idaho has many such forests, and they offer sustenance, economic stability, and endless hours of leisure, each in their own way. So, what types of forests are there in Idaho?

Idaho consists of three forest types, divided by the north and south: Grasslands, Aquatic Wetlands, Desert Regions. They are all mixed-forests, so temperatures vary wildly, from 10 ºF (-8 ºC) to 70 ºF (25 ºC).  The fauna and flora are unique to each region, and each contains endangered species.

Forests each boast an ecosystem unique to themselves, and seeing how they all merge, is quite spectacular! Join me as I share many wonderful facts about Idaho’s forests and the role they play in sustaining the life that relies on them.

Table of Contents

• Types Of Forests In Idaho
• What Biomes Exist In Idaho?
• What Kind Of Trees Are In Idaho?
• What Fauna Can You Find In Idaho?
• How Do The Forests Of Idaho Affect Seasons?
• What Flora Grows In The Forests Of Idaho?
• Three Of Idaho’s Greatest Hiking Trails
• Idaho Wildfires: Good Or Bad?
• Idaho’s Endangered Fauna
• Three Must-See National Parks In Idaho’s
• How Does Idaho Look After Their Forests?
• What Issues Do Forests In Idaho Face?
• Conclusion

Types Of Forests In Idaho

Since all of Idaho’s forests are mixed forests, you would think they share similarities, but they are pretty different. The grasslands are located in the north of Idaho. Plants that inhabit this area are wheatgrass, wildflowers, and fescue. The Grasslands can be very windy due to the lack of trees numbering the landscape.

However, this is a boon for the flora because they use the wind to pollinate instead of insects. Temperatures are somewhere in the middle, never cold or scorching hot. Due to the lack of trees, mammals such as red foxes dig their own burrows to store food … Read the rest of the story.

Oregon is the ninth biggest state in size, with over 62 million acres. Over 2 percent of it is water, and nearly half (30 million acres) is forest. These forests are owned or run by a large number of organizations, the government, and citizens.

That’s a lot of trees. But what types of forests are there in Oregon? Are they all pine?

Coniferous trees make up 86 percent of Oregon’s forests. Douglas-fir is the most popular tree, making up 35 percent. Following are ponderosa pine, and Western hemlock.

Oregon’s hardwood forests cover around 3 million acres, and common trees are alder, maple, western oak, tanoak, and laurel.

Oregon is a diverse state in geography, climate, and thus, so are its forests and trees. Oregon has 67 native species, thirty of which are coniferous and 37 that are broadleaf. The denser forests are closer to the coast, while the arid climate of the semi-desert forces the trees to spread out.

The state hosts a mix of working forests and old growth.

Table of Contents

• Who Owns And Manages Oregon’s Forests?
  • National Forests
    • 11 Oregon National Forests
      • Deschutes National Forest
      • Fremont National Forest
      • Malheur National Forest
      • Mt. Hood National Forest
      • Ochoco National Forest
      • Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
      • Siuslaw National Forest
      • Umatilla National Forest
      • Umpqua National Forest
      • Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
      • Willamette National Forest
  • State Forest
    • 6 Oregon State Forests
      • Clatsop State Forest
      • Elliot State Forest
      • Gilchrist State Forest
      • Santiam State Forest
      • Sun Pass State Forest
      • Tillamook State Forest
  • Individuals
  • Urban Forests
• 6 Common Trees in Oregon Forests
  • Douglas-fir
  • Juniper
  • Lodgepole Pine
  • Ponderosa Pine
  • Subalpine-fir
  • Western Hemlock
• Are There Redwoods in Oregon?
  • Popular Trails Through Oregon’s Redwoods
    • Oregon Redwoods Trail
    • The Redwood Nature Trail

Who Owns And Manages Oregon’s Forests?

The estimated 2.7 billion tons of trees (alive and dead) are roughly spread out between the government (Federal, state, and local), Native Americans, land trusts and conversation groups, and private ownership (companies and individuals).

National Forests

… Read the rest of the story.

Known for its breathtakingly beautiful flat prairie landscapes, as well as its dunes and thousands of lakes, Saskatchewan is a paradise for those who love the outdoors! As someone who loves the outdoors, I know what it means to appreciate its impact on our daily lives. So, what type of forests exist in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan has four different types of forests: urban forests, agro-forests, commercial forests, and northern forests (nine forests). They provide cover from the prairie winds and the summer sun, improve the economy by planting trees for agriculture, give renewable resources.

Saskatchewan’s identity lies in its surrounding forests. They can give us some great insight into the lifestyle that locals choose to lead. Each forest is unique and serves a very special purpose that helps Saskatchewan thrive. Let’s take a deeper look at how Saskatchewan forests add infinite value!

Table of Contents

• Types Of Forests In Saskatchewan
• What Is The Biggest Forest In Saskatchewan?
• Which Forest Poses The Most Dangers?
• Which Biomes Are Found In Saskatchewan Forests? 
• What Floras Exist In Saskatchewan Forests?
• Which Animals Have Their Home In Saskatchewan’s Forests?
• What Are Saskatchewan Forest Seasons Like?
• What Threatens The Preservation Of Saskatchewan Forests?
• Two Must-See National Parks In Saskatchewan Forests
• What Are The Most Common Trees In Saskatchewan?
• What Is The Oldest Tree In Saskatchewan?
• What Is The Hardest Hike To Do In Saskatchewan?
• Conclusion

Types Of Forests In Saskatchewan

Urban Forests in Saskatchewan is a huge boon for the locals! The vast majority of urban areas are plants grown by the residents who live there. Originally, there were few trees in the southern sections of the province to greet settlers due to the nature of the Prairies and the frequent fires, save in coulées and along river banks.

Cultivating agricultural products during the short growing season was a necessity. It was better to use existing wood for living purposes. The purpose of planting trees was to protect the prairie winds and the summer sun, resulting in the formation of an urban … Read the rest of the story.

Forests are a spectacular natural creation that is as beautiful as it is dangerous. I adore the city, but camping with friends and family and hiking has its special magic that is irreplaceable!  

There is a lot to be admired, so let’s start our trek together and discover what makes these forests such a breath of fresh air.

Alberta has six types of forests; Alberta Mountain Forests, Alberta-British Columbia foothills forests, Aspen Parkland, Mid-Continental Canadian Forests, Muskwa-Slave Lake Forests, and North Central Rockies forests. Each forest boasts a unique tree species and wildlife native to its region.

We can all guess what may lie in a forest, but in each forest is a thriving ecosystem unique to its region! The chance to view such a magnificent spectacle is exciting, especially considering that we rely on them for our survival, too!

Table of Contents

• Types of Forests in Alberta
• What Is The Biggest Forest In Alberta?
• Which Forest Poses The Most Dangers?
• Which Biomes Are Found In Alberta Forests?
• What Floras Exist In Alberta’s Forests?
• What Are Alberta Forests Famous For?
• Which Animals Have Their Home In Alberta’s Forests?
• What Are Alberta Forest Seasons Like?
• Are Forest Disasters Common In Alberta?
• What Threatens The Preservation Of Alberta’s Forests?
• Two Must-See National Parks In Alberta Forests
• What Is The Hardest Hike To Do In Alberta?
• Conclusion

Types of Forests in Alberta

In Western Canada, the Alberta Mountains are an ecoregion of temperate coniferous forests. This ecoregion includes Alberta’s majestic Rocky Mountains, as well as the Continental Ranges’ eastern outliers. It is a glacier-covered location with towering mountains and a forest of tall trees.

The Alberta–British Columbia foothills forests are a temperate coniferous forests ecoregion of Western Canada. It borders Canada’s taiga and contains a mix of subarctic forest and temperate forest species. 

Aspen parkland consists of groves of aspen poplars and spruce trees mixed with prairie grasslands and vast stream and river valleys bordered with dense aspen-spruce woods and shrubs. There are several tiny lakes and ponds in this mountainous terrain. It is the … Read the rest of the story.

Africa is the second-largest continent in the world and has been credited with the birthplace of humanity. Our ties to Africa are ancient and none more than the link to its forests. In literature, pop culture, exploration, and wonder, the deep enchanted forests of the Congo are what we picture when we think of Africa. But, what other types of forests do we find on the continent?

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately 22.7% of Africa is covered in forests. These forests are divided between “Tropical” and “Temperate.” Forests biomes are located in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the greatest biomass in West and Central Africa.

Although the overarching categories of forests are limited to tropical and temperate, local environmental conditions shape the formation of these forests to create some interesting varieties and diversity.

Table of Contents

• A Guide To The Types Of Forests Found In Africa
  • Tropical Rainforests In Africa
    • Examples Of Tropical Rainforests In Africa: The Congo Rainforest And Guinean Forests
    • Fauna And Flora Of The Congolian And Guinean Rainforests
      • Congo Rainforest
        • Fauna
        • Flora
      • Guinean Forest
        • Fauna
        • Flora
    • Other Interesting Facts About African Tropical Rainforests
  • Temperate Rainforests In Africa
    • Other Characteristics Of Temperate Forests
      • Rainfall
      • Temperature
      • Altitude
      • Fire resistance
      • Vegetation
    • Examples Of Temperate Rainforests Found Across Africa
  • Afromontane Rainforests: Characteristics And Examples
    • Afromontane Forests: Defining Features
      • Location
      • Rainfall
      • Temperature
      • Altitude
      • Vegetation
    • Afromontane Forests: The East African Montane Forest Ecoregion
      • Location
      • Altitude
      • Temperature and Rainfall
      • Fauna
  • Coastal Forests In Africa: Characteristics And Examples
    • Coastal Forests: Defining Characteristics
      • Temperature
      • Rainfall
  • Other Examples Forests Found In Africa
    • Sand Forests Of Southern Africa
    • Mangrove Forests Of Southern Africa
• Conclusion

A Guide To The Types Of Forests Found In Africa

A forest, according to Britannica, is a “complex ecological system in which trees are the dominant life-form.”

Although forests vary greatly in terms of plant and animal composition, certain factors remain the same.

For a tree-dominated forest to exist, the mean summer temperature must be above 50 °F, with a minimal annual rainfall of 8 inches.

There … Read the rest of the story.

India is  brimming with natural resources, so much so that the British referred to it as the “Jewel of the Empire.” With the Tropic of Cancer running through the country, India has the perfect climate for forests, but what types of forests are located in India?

India’s forests are divided into five categories according to the amount of rainfall received and species composition. These forests are Tropical, Montane subtropical, Montane temperate, Subalpine, and Alpine. These five categories are further subdivided to make 16 groups of “Forest Types.”

Over the years, India’s forests have been divided into 202 different types and subtypes within the 16 groups. But what are some examples of these, and what are the characteristic features found in each?

Table of Contents

• An Overview To The Types Of Forests Found In India
• The Five Types Of Forests Found In India, Characteristics And Examples
  • Types Of Forests Found In India: Tropical Forests
    • Moist Tropical Forests In India
    • Wet Evergreen Forests In India
    • Semi-Evergreen Forests In India
    • Moist Deciduous Forests In India
    • Littoral And Swamp Forest In India
    • Dry Tropical Forests In India
    • Dry Deciduous Forests In India
    • Thorn Forests In India
    • Dry Evergreen Forests In India
  • Types Of Forests Found In India: Montane Subtropical Forests
    • Broadleaved Hill Forests In India
    • Pine Forests In India
    • Dry Evergreen Forests In India
  • Types Of Forests Found In India: Montane Temperate Forests
    • Wet Temperate Forests In India
    • Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests In India
    • Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests In India
  • Types Of Forests Found In India: Subalpine Forests
    • Subalpine Forests In India
  • Types Of Forests Found In India: Alpine Forests
    • Moist Alpine Scrub In India
    • Dry Alpine Scrub In India
• Conclusion

An Overview To The Types Of Forests Found In India

India is a large country situated on the Asian continent. India lies between North 8° 4′ and 37° 6′ latitude, and East 68° 7′ and 97° 25′ longitude.

With such a vast landmass, there is a lot of diversity in climate and geology, which, in turn, gives rise … Read the rest of the story.

Forests are more than just magical places that provide the setting for fiction novels and spooky stories, and they cover more than a third of the earth’s surface. With more than three trillion trees making up the world’s forests, myriad living creatures call the forests home. Much more than that, though, is the fact that forests serve many vital purposes.

It’s easy to get confused by the different forest types globally, though, because they occur in so many different regions.

Forests can be broken down into tropical, temperate, and boreal types, with various sub-types according to climate, geographic location, seasonality, and leafing. Tropical forests have warm temperatures all year, while temperate forests experience four seasons with high and low temperatures. Boreal forests exist in predominantly icy regions.

Forests are defined in many different ways, and there are specific characteristics that can be used to differentiate between the types of forests. Let’s look at the broader categories that forests fall into and what sets them apart.

Table of Contents

• The Forest Biome
  • Characteristics For Classification
    • Location, location, location!
    • Climate
    • Seasonality
    • Leafing
• The Different Types of Forests
  • 1. Tropical Forests
    • Evergreen
    • Seasonal
    • Dry
    • Montane
    • Tropical and Subtropical Coniferous
    • Subtropical
  • 2. Temperate Forests
    • Deciduous
    • Coniferous
  • 3. Boreal Forests
    • Climate
    • Precipitation
    • Growing Season
    • Flora
    • Fauna
  • 4. Other Types
    • Mangrove
      • Location
      • Man-Made Forests
      • Animal Life
• Bringing It All Together
  • Threats
• Conclusion

The Forest Biome

The term ‘forest’ has been used broadly to mean an area with a large number of trees, but it’s important to remember that a forest is not just a dense area of foliage. The word ‘biome’ is more accurate to describe forests because this takes into account that a forest is a naturally occurring community of fauna and flora – a functioning system of interconnected plants and animals that rely on each other for survival.

Characteristics For Classification

While there are many colloquial terms for forests, there are ways to differentiate between forest types by looking at their geographic location, climate, and what foliage grows there. As we will see, these factors all … Read the rest of the story.