The extensive development of coniferous trees characterize the himalayan moist temperate forests. There are thought to be only 800 of these large primates in the wild. The temperate cool rainforests occur poleward of the Mediterranean region, 40- 60 N and S latitude, along the western coast of continents under the influence of the westerlies (roaring forties, furious fifties, screaming sixties; latter doesn't hit the southern continents) . - The coniferous forest is the largest biome ashore. Also, the short growing season (just 130 days) and lack of sunshine mean that very few plants can survive here. Coniferous temperate evergreen forests are most frequently dominated by species in the families. Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests: common in the region between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, this biome has steady temperatures year-round and high . Moist conifer and evergreen broad-leaved forests: These forests have mild wet winters and dry summers. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are native to the cloud forests of a small area in central Africa. The Mediterranean climate is perfect for trees such as olive trees and eucalyptus trees to thrive. One type of coniferous forest, the northern boreal forest, is found in 50 to 60N latitudes. pure stands of the subclimax species. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Conifers tend to be evergreenthey bear needles all year long. An ecosystem is an ecological unit consisting of a biotic community (an assemblage of plant, animal, and other living organisms) together with its abiotic environment (such as soil, rocks, water, temperature, slope of the land, etc. $105.00. Where are temperate forest biomes found in the world? Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are found in the boreal forests and temperate forests of North America and some parts of Eurasia. (often approaching 10 feet in diameter and 300 feet Corrections? These dense woodlands can include evergreen conifers, broad-leafed deciduous trees, or a mixture of these tree types. Click to enlarge. Because of their constantly warm humid climates, these forests are home to many species of evergreen and semi-evergreen deciduous trees. Temperate forest land biomes change with the seasonsthey lose their leaves in the fall but appear lush and green in the summer. Trees: Boreal forests are dominated by coniferous trees such as pines, firs and spruces, while temperate forests have a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. Pure stands of incense cedar (Libocedrus decurrens) dominate the richest sites in the lower sections of the zone. Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests Climatic Conditions. This forest biome is also important for many migrating butterflies and birds. [1] A separate habitat type, the tropical coniferous forests, occurs in more tropical climates. Other examples of temperate forest vegetation include: Mosses are nonvascular plants that play an important ecological role in the biomes they inhabit. The canopy consists of tall coniferous trees, the understory has lichens, ferns, and mosses, and the forest floor is made up of fungi and herbaceous vegetation. These activities have, over the years, impacted this biome and areas around it and might continue to impact it moving forward. This is a vital adaptation to a harsh environment because regrowing leaves require loads of energy. Flight Center. Precipitation: 300 to 900 millimeters of rain per year. In some, needleleaf trees dominate, while others are home primarily to broadleaf evergreen trees or a mix of both tree types. Approximately 20,000 years ago, when ice sheets were at their last glacial maximum, tundra and permafrost covered much of what is now boreal forest, and coniferous forests grew where we now see temperate deciduous forests. However, some forests may support a layer of shrubs. Temperate forests look like continuous canopy of deciduous, broad-leaved trees. [1], Structurally, these forests are rather simple, consisting of 2 layers generally: an overstory and understory. Temperatures are typically moderate except in parts of Asia such as Ussuriland, where temperate forests can occur despite very harsh conditions with very cold winters. They occur at latitudes between 25 and 50 degrees in both hemispheres. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. North American coniferous forest is dominated throughout by white spruce, black spruce, and balsam fir, although lodgepole pine and alpine fir are important species in the western section. NASA Goddard Space Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests: These are mainly found in the temperate zone of the Himalayas between 1500 to 3300m where the annual rainfall varies from 150 to 250cm. Plant Diversity in the Hot-Dry Valleys in SW China. Lichens are important decomposers in this environment littered with decaying plant material. As the name suggests, rain is a common feature of these forest types with around 80 (200 cm) of rainfall annually. Another type, temperate coniferous forests, grows in lower latitudes of North America, Europe, and Asia, in the high elevations of mountains. Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi), a close relative of ponderosa pine, has a higher tolerance for cold and frost and thus is commonly found in depressions and flats where cold air tends to gather, and at the upper extremes of the ponderosa pine zone where temperatures are much colder. Moist Temperate Coniferous Forests (Blue pine or Kail zone) and the . Temperate coniferous forests are found in areas with temperate weather: plenty of rainfall, cool winters, . Moist Temperate Coniferous The himalayan moist temperate forests include 150 to 250 cm of annual rainfall. These can include colorful toads, frogs, and newts, as well as, tortoises, snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. They also prefer steep . Boreal forests provide 37% of the wood consumed globally. Updates? Himalayan dry temperate forests: These are open evergreen forest with open scrub undergrowth. Vegetation data were collected from 48 forest sites . Temperate forests receive an average of 30 to 59 inches of rain per year. Also, some coastal areas can have temperate tropical forests or mixed broadleaf and evergreen forests. A few big cities such as Toronto and Moscow are situated in the southern parts of the coniferous rainforest biome. The total amount of precipitation received in this biome hinges on its location. The trees grow bark that protects the inner core from cold temperature, while protecting the tree from parasitic fungi. Coniferous rainforest biomes stretch from Siberia to Canada and experience freezing winters. These occurs in temperate zone between 1500-3300 m , where annual rainfall varies from 150-250cm; These cover entire range in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim . The huge redwood trees can be found in the evergreen coniferous forests of North America. . A dry season occurs in the winter in East Asia and in summer on the wet fringe of the Mediterranean climate zones. In other countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, tropical dry forests tend to be evergreen. This makes the area climate more humid. Forest Biome page 1 - Temperate coniferous forests are found predominantly in areas with warm summers and funky winters - This also constitutes a wide variety of herbaceous and shrub species. The moist temperate coniferous forest of the Pacific Northwest includes the area from the coastal ranges of northern California (below 5000 ft. elevation) to the southern coast of Alaska (below 2000 ft.). According to the Punjab Forest Department, Murree Forest Division (MFD) comprises of 47,285 acres of forest land. Mediterranean forests can be found in coastal regions of Chile, South Africa, California, and Southwestern Australia. Interestingly, macaws that inhabit the western Amazon rainforest eat clay which is a habit not observed in other types of these birds. Only the cold-hardiest evergreen conifers can survive the freezing temperatures in this unforgiving climate. Omissions? The temperate rainforest is a moist environment. This biome experiences long, snowy winter months and hot wet summer months. Summer temperatures range from mild to excessively hot. Just like a dark shirt absorbs heat in a sunny day, the dark needles assist the trees to absorb vast quantities of the suns heat necessary for photosynthesis. Also called grizzly gears, these inquisitive animals will try and eat just about anything they come across. Other animals have adapted to this environment by blending in with the forest. In the northern boreal forests, the winters are long, cold and dry, while the short summers are moderately warm and moist. In many Western countries, deciduous forest biome includes deer, rabbits, rodents, squirrels, and raccoons. They generally consist of foliage high up in the canopy and low growing shrubs or ferns on the forest floor. In general, coniferous forests have a pretty sparse understory. Figure 17.24: Deciduous trees are the dominant plant in the temperate forest. Introduction . Muskeg: A type of wetland containing thick layers of decaying plant matter. Other tropical countries that have coniferous forests include the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Belize. Temperate coniferous forests are found predominantly in areas with warm summers and cool winters, and vary in their kinds of plant life. They are the result of symbiotic relationships between algae or cyanobacteria and fungi. Tropical forests are diverse and include many different forest types. Also, temperatures should not drop below 39F (4C) or rise above 54F (12C). Some hibernate. In contrast, the moist conditions found in temperate rain forests favor the dominance by ferns and some forbs. Some locations of temperate forests include: Due to abundant rainfall and thick soil humus, temperate forests are able to support a wide variety of plant life and vegetation. Temperatures can range between -22F and 86F (-30C to 30C). Other areas, such as central eastern North America, have a fairly even distribution of rainfall; annual rainfall is typically over 600mm (24in) and often over 1,500mm (59in), though it can go as low as 300mm (12in) in some parts of the Middle East and close to 6,000mm (240in) in the mountains of New Zealand and the Azores. The moist temperate coniferous forest of the Pacific Northwest includes the area from the coastal ranges of northern California (below 5000 ft. elevation) to the southern coast of Alaska (below 2000 ft.). The average temperature in winter ranges from -40C (-40F) to 20C (68F). READ: 15 Serious Effects of Plastic Bags Causing Environmental Pollution. Many of these areas also get monsoons during the wet season. The sandy and gravelly soils along rivers and streams of this biome are frequently lined with narrow groves of red alder (Alnus rubra), black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). Along the Pacific Coast, temperate coniferous forests have mild winters and heavy rainfall or inland mountainous areas with mild climates. You will find out about the flora, fauna, and types of trees in these important wooded areas. Many countries in the tropical and subtropical regions also have seasonal forests. Precipitation in coniferous forests varies from 300 to 900 mm annually, with some temperate coniferous forests receiving up to 2,000 mm/ year (79 in/year). White fir is the dominant species at the higher altitudes in the zone where winters are long and snows are heavy; it is seldom found in pure stands. Most of the world's temperate forests are managed to produce wood and wood products. This moist forest climate is also home to a wide range of trees, plants, and many types of animals. Plants of the Temperate Forest. As with most rainforests, temperate rainforests are evergreen and contain a diverse variety of fauna and flora. They thrive in moist areas and help to prevent soil erosion and also serve as a source of insulation during colder months. Tropical Moist Forest . In the Kppen climate classification they are represented respectively by Cfa, Dfa/Dfb southern range and Cfb,[4][5] and more rarely, Csb, BSk and Csa. How does climate change impact temperate forests? Although mining brings handsome rewards, it can significantly pollute surrounding water and soils by contribution to acid rain. [1], These forests are richest and most distinctive in central China and eastern North America, with some other globally distinctive ecoregions in the Caucasus, the Himalayas, Southern Europe, Australasia, Southwestern South America and the Russian Far East. Similar to tropical rainforests, these forests are also home to a range of tropical birds, large cats, monkeys, and parrots. bougainvillea blossom Temperate Cultivated 250 bright red cranberry Cold Damp Coniferous Forest, Deciduous Forest 400 bright red teaberry Temperate Vegetation data were collected from 48 forest sites . They are known as subalpine and montane forests and are dominated by combinations of pine, spruce, and fir. Coniferous Forest: This biome has a higher proportion of evergreen, cone-producing trees. ISBN: 9781610917667. During winter months, precipitation falls as snow, while in the summer, it falls as rain. Abies pindrow is a keystone tree species of temperate forests in the Himalayan range with immense ecological significance. The top layer of the understory is the sub-canopy composed of smaller mature trees, This page was last edited on 4 January 2023, at 16:46. The average temperature of coniferous forest biome is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Conifers are needle- or scale- shaped evergreen trees of the woody type and, as their name suggests, their reproductive structures are arranged in the form of cones. They are similar in shape and height and often form a nearly uniform stand with a layer of low shrubs or herbs beneath. These coniferous tree types are softwoods, which means they have the ability to get by in cold temperatures and acidic soils. They are mostly found in the Northern Hemisphere, where there is temperate climate. They are found around the equator, between 23.5 degrees N latitude and 23.5 degrees S latitude. These small, dense plants often resemble green carpets of vegetation. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The most widely agreed-upon answer is seven: temperate forests, deserts, tundra, tropical rainforests, boreal forests, grasslands, and savannas. Temperate rain forests receive more than 100 inches of rain every year. a) Moist temperate coniferous forest. It is estimated that tropical and subtropical moist forests contain more species of animal and plant life than any other terrestrial biome. Answer (1 of 2): Tropical Rainforest Location: The tropical rainforests contain the greatest diversity of species of all biomes on earth. ), or birches (Betula spp.). The Araucaria moist forests cover an area of 216,100 sq km (83,400 sq mi), encompassing a region of mountains and plateaus in the Brazilian states of So Paulo, Paran, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. Moist Temperate Coniferous [1] The term "mixed forest" comes from the inclusion of coniferous trees as a canopy component of some of these forests. Both bigleaf maple and red alder (a nitrogen fixer) are also pioneer tree species on recently burned and heavily logged areas in the region. (Yes. Coniferous forest biome includes animals such as moose, bears, foxes, deer, wolves, and eagles. Temperate Coniferous Forests: this biome has warm summers and cool winters with a wide variety of plant life including either needleleaf or broadleaf evergreen trees. Mixed Temperate Coniferous forests, also known as the western mixed coniferous forests, are an attractive forest typical of the moister regions of the western Himalaya, having a mixture of temperate zone conifers like the deodar, blue pine, fir and spruce. The current study was designed to investigate the spatial distribution, population structure, associated flora, and sustainability of Abies pindrow in the temperate forests of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. In the south it mixes with sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), incense cedar (Libocedrus docurrens), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Some camouflage themselves as leaves, looking almost indistinguishable from the foliage. Most of the other organisms in the forest depend on the tree's ability to turn the sun's energy into sugars using . Moist and moderately warm; can range significantly Tiny, free-floating, photosynthetic plants in the ocean are called _______. You might ask. Temperate broadleaf and mixed forest is a temperate climate terrestrial habitat type defined by the World Wide Fund for Nature, with broadleaf tree ecoregions, and with conifer and broadleaf tree mixed coniferous forest ecoregions.. Temperate climates are moderate, and temperate deciduous forests can be categorized in terms of the species of trees that are most common. The tropical rainforest biome is important because it provides habitat for a large number of animal species. Birds include woodpeckers, crossbills, warblers, kinglets, nuthatches, waxwings, grouse, hawks, and owls. Typical coniferous trees include pines (Pinus spp. Plants and Forests that Have Survived the Ice Ages in East Asia. Thus, these trees shed their leaves in fall and bud new leaves in spring when warmer temperatures and longer hours of daylight return. Lets look at some of the common animals that inhabit the forest biome. Deciduous trees, like the one the red oak leaf (left) came from, lose their leaves each winter. Each type of coniferous forest will look different depending on the environmental conditions and the types of conifer species involved. Species of animals that inhabit coniferous tropical forests include bobcats, pine martens, wolves, cougars, elephants, and monkeys. Text, video, photos, maps and coursework questions . MOIST TEMPERATE CONIFEROUS FOREST BIOME. The tropical forest biome is characterized by the diversity of species, being near the equator, and having a dry and rainy season. of the moist temperate forests of Pakistan. "Climate Impacts on Forests." Forests in temperate regions generally get between 30 and 60 (750 1,500 mm) of rainfall annually. One kind of coniferous forest called the northern coniferous forest is located in 50 to 60N latitudes. Humans can take steps to help conserve coniferous rainforest biomes by getting to know more about this biome and using paper prudently. The vegetational and elevational differences have a different effect on soil physical and chemical properties. The fogbelt, comprising the southern part of the biome from San Francisco to southern Oregon, is dominated by redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). Ponderosa pine tends to dominate the lower margins of the zone since it is the most drought resistant of the six species. The current study was designed to investigate the spatial distribution, population structure, associated flora, and sustainability of Abies pindrow in the temperate forests of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. This type of adaptation comes in handy for both predators and prey. Central China loess plateau mixed forests, Sichuan Basin evergreen broadleaf forests, West Siberian broadleaf and mixed forests, San FlixSan Ambrosio Islands temperate forests, Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, "Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forest Ecoregions", World Wildlife FundWWF Biomes: Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome, Bioimages.vanderbilt.edu: Index of North American Temperate Broadleaf & Mixed Forests ecoregions, Terraformers Canadian Forest Conservation Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Temperate_broadleaf_and_mixed_forests&oldid=1131544781, Articles with imported Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Loss of forest habitat, poaching, and civil unrest are the main reasons for dwindling populations of these large forest mammals. Rainforests are not just a feature of tropical climates, and many countries in temperate climates also have rainforests. (No. The name evergreen defines a critical adaptation of conifer trees. Deciduous forests are prevalent in countries in North America, Central and Western Europe, and East Asia. The average annual precipitation in coniferous rain forest biomes ranges from 300 to 900 mm. . However, a majority of it is highly unpopulated. However, many varieties of berries such as cranberries, cloudberries, bilberries, and lingonberries grow in abundance. 5. The Himalayan moist temperate forests, which grow between 1500 and 3300 metres above sea level extend the entire length of the mountain range in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Darjeeling, and Sikkim. The northern Eurasian coniferous forest is called the taiga or the boreal forest. The average annual temperature in temperate deciduous forests ranges between 10C and 15C. On the Olympic Peninsula, where it reaches its maximum development Some moist broadleaf deciduous forests encompass areas beside tropical rainforests and it can be difficult to tell them apart. Coniferous Forests in the Subtropical Zone of China . Across the globe, there is a wide range of plants, animals, and environment that make up biome. These soils are low in mineral content, organic material, and number of invertebrates such as earthworms. The soil present in coniferous rainforest biome is thin, acidic and contains fewer nutrients. Coniferous forests also cover mountains in many parts of the world. Amphibians: frogs, toads, and salamanders can be found in warmer forests, particularly in moist areas; Canada geese: while they migrate in the colder parts of the year, these birds are found all over North American forests. Murree being part of the outer Himalayas belongs to sub-tropical continental highlands. "These disturbances can reduce forest productivity and change the distribution of tree species," the Environmental Protection Agency says. Characteristics of Temperate Grassland Biomes, Tundra Land Biome Description and Characteristics, Types of Forests: Definitions, Examples, and Importance, Life in the Tundra: The Coldest Biome on Earth, Savanna Biome: Climate, Locations, and Wildlife, 15 Unique Plants That Flourish in the Tundra Biome, Freshwater Biome: Types, Plants, and Wildlife. There are also small pockets of deciduous forests in South America and Australasia. Glaciers, Lakes, and Bogs In some places, temperatures can drop as low as -58F (-50C), however, the typical winter temperature is around -4F (-20C). These forests contain deciduous trees that are mostly semi-evergreen. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Another kind known as temperate coniferous forest thrives in lower altitudes of Asia, Europe, and North America in the high areas of mountains.Other subdivisions of coniferous rainforest are located at different elevations, specifically, in Central America, in the rocky . One kind of coniferous forest called the northern coniferous forest is located in 50 to 60N latitudes. mainly found in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, etc. Occurs in the temperate zone of the Himalayas between 1500 and 3300 metres. The dominant tree in this biome is conifer, which is a cone-bearing tree. The needles are dark colored, which is also a plus for the conifers. Coniferous rainforest biome has little diversity in regard to plant life when compared to other kinds of biome. They live in all forest types, lowland, and mountainous deserts, and in open areas with little vegetation. In the northern boreal forests, the winters are long, cold and dry, while the short summers are moderately warm and moist. . Stands are situated on moist river flats and in sheltered valleys, where evapotranspirational losses are minimized. Migratory birds flock this biome to feed on the bountiful supply of insects. The forest biome is one of the most important terrestrial ecosystems on our planet. One of the features of cloud rainforests is that trees tend to be stockier and crooked rather than tall and straight. Subtropical deciduous forests are located in South America, Central America, Central Africa, and Asia. Pine and local species such as Araucaria. Precipitation varies from 50 inches per year in the southern portion of the biome, where relatively dry summers prevail, to 200 inches on the mountain slopes of Washington and southern British Columbia. In coniferous forest. Temperate climate with temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year. Tropical, temperate, and boreal forests around the world play an important role in the earths ecosystem. Nutrients move slower and more conservatively in coniferous versus deciduous temperate forests. Elephant Ear Plants: Types, Flowers, Leaves, and Care (With Pictures), Grubs In Lawn: How to Get Rid of Grubs in the Garden (With Pictures), What is Perlite: Learn About Perlite Potting Soil and How To Use It To Grow Plants, The Best Liquid Lawn Fertilizers (Professional Review and Guide), Types of Forests (Forest Biome): Temperate, Tropical, Boreal, and More, Types of Trees with Name and Picture for Easy Identification. It s position can also be referred on boundary of two ecological zones i.e. Contact Us . These can include types of orchids, shrubs, and unique plants such as insect-eating plants. These are found in Central America, Asia, and India. Those that are not able to develop adaptation migrate to warmer areas. However, Mediterranean forests can also include oaks, pine trees, and Nothofagus (southern beech) trees. This forest is characterized by cold temperatures, evergreen conifers, and a short growing season. In comparison with forests worldwide, the input rate of coarse woody debris in the Great Smoky Mountains study forest is moderate (Busing, 2005). This allows plenty of sunlight to penetrate the foliage and create wide biodiversity in the forest. The biome of mixed broadleaf and coniferous trees of the temperate climates. These forests are usually adapted to great climatic variations . Omissions? Most animals develop thick coats of fur when winter strikes to insulate themselves from freezing temperatures. The coniferous forest is sandwiched in between the tundra to the north and the deciduous forest to the south. This precipitation is in the form of rain and snow. Mediterranean forests: These are usually located in the south of temperate regions around the coast and have almost all evergreen trees. In the lower latitudes, precipitation is more evenly distributed throughout the year. The climate of the boreal or taiga forest is described as subarctic. Eurasian coniferous forest is dominated in the east by Siberian pine, Siberian fir, and Siberian and Dahurian larches. Canada, Europe, Asia, and the United States, Coniferous forest regions have cold, long, snowy winters, and warm, humid summers; well-defined seasons, at least four to six frost-free months, Monthly Temperature and Precipitation from 1970 - 2000. In temperate forests, common birds include screech owls, great horned owls, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, nuthatches, wood thrushes, American redstarts, hawks, blue jays . Many species of trees inhabit these forests including pine, cedar, fir, and redwood. To be classified as a temperate rainforest, there should be at least 55 (140 cm) of rainfall annually. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Most of the coniferous trees are evergreen but some like Larch are deciduous in nature] Important Species are Chilgoza, Deodar, Oak, Maple, Ash, Olive etc. Tropical dry forests generally have deciduous trees that drop their leaves during the dry season. Similar to other dense tropical forests, the lack of sunlight on the forest floor means that ferns thrive. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Deciduous forests are broadly classified according to the climate of the region in which they growtemperate, dry tropical, or moist tropical. (Yes. People, Forests, and Change. Also called reindeer in Europe, caribou (Rangifer tarandus) inhabit the taiga regions of Canada, Europe, and Russia. Apart from storing carbon and providing oxygen, forests are home to thousands of animal and plant species. Using the high emissions SSP5-8.5 scenario, habitat suitability in tropical and subtropical coniferous forests and temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands was predicted to be constant in 2050. Lets look in more detail at the subcategories of temperate forests in North America, Europe, and Asia. To the north of the redwoods in Oregon and southern Washington, where the soil is well drained and Performance & security by Cloudflare. The Coniferous Temperate Forests; Both terms are used to describe the entire circumpolar coniferous forest with its many lakes, bogs, and rivers. These forested areas can contain a variety of broadleaved evergreen trees and even some conifers. Cloud forests are constantly covered by low-level cloud. Climate: Temperatures in tropical rainforests remain between . It is), Causes and Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion, Causes and Effects to Environmental Pollution, Causes and Effects of Ocean Acidification, Causes and Effects of Marine Habitat Loss, 35+ Outstanding Facts About the Planet Earth. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Description and dynamics, locations and species. Due to the moist environment and lack of sunshine, cloud forests usually contain a wide variety of ferns and mosses on the forest floor. Another kind known as temperate coniferous forest thrives in lower altitudes of Asia, Europe, and North America in the high areas of mountains. [1], Forest communities dominated by huge trees (e.g., giant sequoia, Sequoiadendron gigantea; redwood, Sequoia sempervirens), unusual ecological phenomena, occur in western North America, southwestern South America, as well as in the Australasian region in such areas as southeastern Australia and northern New Zealand.