Forest

A forest is a vast land that encompasses a large number of trees, vines, shrubs and other varieties of plants. Forests also consist of mosses, fungi and algae. These are home for a wide variety of birds, reptiles, microorganisms, insects and animals. Forests maintain biodiversity on earth and are thus important for maintaining a healthy environment on the planet.

Types of Forests

Forests around the world have been classified into different categories. Here is a look at the various types of forests that form a part of the earth’s ecological system:

Tropical Rainforests

These are extremely dense forests and majorly or entirely consist of evergreen trees that remain green all round the year. You can see lush greenery around however since these are covered with canopy and an emergent layer over the same, these are devoid of enough sunlight and are thus mostly dark and damp. They receive plenty of rainfall all round the year but still the temperature here is high as these are located near the equator. Numerous species of animals, birds and fishes breed here.

Sub-Tropical Forests

These forests are situated at the north and south of tropical forests. These forests mostly experience drought like situation. The trees and plants here are adapted to sustain the summer drought.

Deciduous Forests

These forests are mainly home for trees that lose their leaves each year. Deciduous forests mostly penetrate in regions that experience mild winters and warm yet moist summers. These can be found in different parts of the world including Europe, North America, New Zealand, Asia and Australia. Walnut, oak, maple, hickory and chestnut trees are mostly found here.

Temperate Forests

Temperate forests see the growth of deciduous and coniferous evergreen trees. Located in North Eastern Asia, Eastern North America and Western and Eastern Europe, these forests receive enough rainfall.

Montane Forests

These are known as the cloud forests. This is because these forests receive most of their downpour from the fog or mist that comes from the lowlands. These are mostly located in the tropical, sub tropical and temperate zones. These forests experience cold weather as well as intense sunlight. Conifers occupy large part of these forests.

Plantation Forests

These are basically large farms that grow cash crops such as coffee, tea, sugarcane, oil palms, cotton and oil seeds. Plantation forests produce about 40% of the industrial wood. These are particularly known for producing sustainable timber and fibre.

Mediterranean Forests

These forests are situated around the coasts of the Mediterranean, Chile, California and Western Australia. These have a mix of softwood and hardwood trees and almost all the trees here are evergreen.

Coniferous Forests

These forests are found near the poles, mainly the northern hemisphere, and experience a cold and windy climate all through the year. They experience the growth of hardwood and conifer trees. The growth of pines, firs, hemlocks and spruces is a common sight here. The conifer trees are evergreen and well adapted to the drought like condition here.

Conclusion

Forests are a beautiful creation of nature. Different parts of our planet encompass different types of forests that are home for various plants and animals and a means of livelihood for numerous people