Coniferous
Forest
Coniferous
means cone bearing. A coniferous forest therefore, is one that has trees that
reproduce by dropping cones. These cones contain seeds that grow into new trees.
Cone-bearing trees are adapted to the cold weather since they have pine needles
instead of leaves. The cold weather cannot get inside the needles to cause the
trees to freeze. The forest floor has little growth since the large trees block
out sunlight. Coniferous forests are home to many animals. Birds and other animals
live in the trees. Larger animals live on the forest floor. Deer and bear make
this area their home. During the winter, many of these animals hibernate or migrate
to escape the long, cold winter months.
Web Resources
• The Biomes Project
