C° →

-54 C°
Boreal Forest
Avg. Temperature: 21 Rivers and Lakes
The boreal system is
Avg. Precipitation: dotted with numerous rivers
and lakes. These bodies of
40-100cm anually water support a rich aquatic
ecosystem including fish
species such as trout, and
pike. Additionally, the
surrounding areas are
densely vegetated and
provide habitats for birds,
mammals and amphibians.
Wetlands
Wetland areas include
marshes and swamps, which
are characterized by
waterlogged soil and the
presence of water-loving
plants such as sedges,
mosses, and lichens.
Wetlands provide critical
breeding grounds for
amphibians, waterfowl, and
other water-dependent
species.
Coniferous Forests
The dominant habitat in the
boreal forest is the coniferous
forest, which is composed of
evergreen trees such as
spruce, fir, and pine. It holds a
dense canopy of coniferous
trees and offers shelter and
protection for many animals.
Also, the forest floor’s
nutritious soil provides food
sources such as berries, seeds,
and fungi.

Berries →
Caribou → Wolverine → Arctic Fox Food resources are essential for the survival
Tree →
Porcupine → Ermine → Snowy Owl and growth of organisms in the boreal biome.
Competition for food can be intense, especially
during the winter months when food availability
is limited.

Many organisms in the boreal biome establish

territories or breeding areas to secure resources
and ensure reproductive success. This includes
defending areas with abundant food, suitable
habitat, and access to mates.

Intruder! BIOTIC FACTORS ABIOTIC FACTORS

Tropical birds would not be able to Plants: pine, spruce, and coniferous Climate: long, cold winters and short, cool
survive in boreal biomes because trees provide food and shelter for summers. This impacts the availability of
of temperature and food. various organisms. resources and the behavior of organisms.
Tropical birds live in Animals: moose, wolves, bears, owls, Soil: Acidic and nutrient poor. Soil
humid, hot climates and songbirds interact with other composition affects the types of plants that
and eat tropical biotic and abiotic factors within the can grow and the availability of nutrients in
fruit. They would ecosystem. an ecosystem.
need to adapt their
Microorganisms: bacteria and fungi Water: Wetlands, lakes, and rivers are
diet and body to
help with nutrient cycling and common features that provide habitats for
survive in this
decomposition. both animals and plants.
habitat.

Precipitation & Evapotranspiration: Forests release water through

Producers:
1. Black Spruce: a common tree in the boreal biome. It has adapted
to the cold climate with needle-like leaves that reduce water loss
through a process called transpiration. Additionally, its shallow root
system helps it access nutrients from the nutrient-poor soil.
2. Lichen: a combination of fungi and algae, lichen is another
producer in the boreal biome. Lichen can photosynthesize, even in
cold temperatures, with its unique structure and the protective
nature of the fungal. This adaptation allows lichen to thrive in the
low-light conditions of the forest floor.
Consumers:
1. Moose: Moose are herbivores in the boreal biome, primarily
consuming plants like willow and birch. They have evolved with
adaptations such as large muzzles for browsing on vegetation and
long, sturdy legs for walking through deep snow. Their thick, fur
helps them withstand the cold temperatures.
2. Red Fox: Red foxes are omnivore consumers in the boreal biome
and adapt by preying on small mammals when food is scarce or by
scavenging carrion in the winter. They have keen senses and thick
fur to withstand the cold, while their agility aids in hunting and
navigating through the snowy terrain of the boreal biome.
evapotranspiration, which contributes to cloud formation and precipitation
in the area.
Carbon sink: Conifers store large amounts of carbon in their biomass and
soil organic matter. This can lead to a point where a plant's absorption of
carbon exceeds the amount released by human activity, natural gas, etc...
TROPHIC CASCADE: An ecological phenomenon that
happens to an animal or plant in an ecosystem
which then causes a chain reaction that affects the
biotic and abiotic factors in the same ecosystem.
An example of a trophic cascade in a boreal biome
involves the reintroduction of wolves (once
endangered). Wolves are considered a keystone
species in many ecosystems, and their presence can
lead to a reduction in the number of herbivores
reducing the number of plants eaten by deer,
restoring the ecosystem’s balance. This chain reac-
tion also allows the equal distribution of food resources for a variety
of other organisms too. The impact of keystone species such as
wolves on boreal biomes may also be influenced by other factors, such
as climate change and human activities.