Group 8

Northwestern Coniferous
Forest
 What is Northwestern Coniferous Forest?

The Northwestern Coniferous Forest, also

known as the Pacific Temperate Rainforest, is
a type of temperate rainforest that is found
along the coastal regions of the Pacific
Northwest of North America, including areas
in California, Oregon, Washington, and
southern Alaska. The Northwestern
Coniferous Forest is incredible biodiversity,
with a wide variety of plant and animal
species that have adapted to thrive in this
unique ecosystem.
hat is the characteristics of Northwestern Coniferous Forest?
The Northwestern Coniferous Forest is heavily
influenced by the Pacific Ocean, with distinct seasonal
changes. The region experiences cool, wet winters and
warm summers. The average annual temperature ranges
from 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F), with cooler
temperatures in the northern areas and warmer
temperatures in the southern areas. The forest receives
abundant precipitation in the fall, winter, and spring
Climate months, ranging from 150 cm to over 500 cm annually.
However, the summer months can be relatively dry. Also,
fog is a common occurrence, particularly in coastal areas.
This is because of the cool ocean air and warm land
temperatures, which can cause the warm air to rise and
cool, forming fog. The fog provides an additional source of
moisture for the forest, helping to sustain the diverse
array of plant and animal species that call the forest
home.That why these conditions make the forest an ideal
habitat for the tall coniferous trees and the diverse range
of plant and animal species.
 The Northwestern Coniferous Forest is
dominated by several species trees, including
Douglas fir, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and
redwood trees. These trees can grow to
impressive heights, with some reaching over
300 feet tall. The trees are well adapted to the
wet climate of the region, with deep root
systems that allow them to absorb water and
nutrients from the soil.

Also,it has a diverse understory of vegetation

that includes ferns, shrubs, and mosses. These
plants provide food and shelter for animals,
contribute to soil health and nutrient cycling,
and help to retain moisture in the forest. Ferns
stabilize the soil and cycle nutrients, shrubs
produce edible fruits and provide cover and
nesting sites for animals.
 Douglas fir
Sitka spruce

Western hemlock
Redwood tree
The Northwestern Coniferous Forest is a
complex ecosystem that is home to many
different plant and animal species. Some of the
animal species in the forest, such as the bald
eagle, gray wolves, black bears, and Roosevelt
elk, are considered keystone species because
they play a critical role in maintaining the health
and balance of the ecosystem.

For example, the bald eagle, being an apex

predator, preys on other animals such as fish and
small mammals, helping to regulate their
populations. The gray wolf, as a predator of large
herbivores such as elk, plays a crucial role in
maintaining a balance between prey and
predator populations. Black bears, on the other
hand, help in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling
by feeding on a variety of foods including berries,
nuts, and vegetation, and also scavenging for
carrion.

In addition to these iconic species, the forest is

home to a wide variety of other animals such as
marmots, mountain goats, cougars, and many
species of birds and reptiles.
 In the Northwestern Coniferous Forest the
soil is typically acidic and nutrient-poor. This is
due to the slow decomposition of organic
matter in the cool, wet conditions of the forest,
which results in a buildup of organic material
and a lack of mineral nutrients. The soil is also
often rocky and shallow, with a thin layer of
topsoil overlying bedrock. These soil
characteristics can make it challenging for some
plant species to thrive in the forest, but they
have also contributed to the unique ecology of
the forest, with species that are adapted to these
conditions flourishing. Additionally, the acidic
soil of the forest is important in regulating the
pH of nearby rivers and streams, which can
impact the survival of aquatic species.
 However, human activities such as
logging, mining, and urbanization have had
significant negative impacts on the forest.
Logging has been a major problem industry
of the forest for over a century, resulting in
large areas being cleared. Mining has also
had an impact on the region, with large-
scale mining operations for gold, silver, and
copper occurring in some areas.
Urbanization has also encroached on the
forest, with cities such as Seattle, Portland,
and Vancouver expanding into the
surrounding areas. These human activities
have led to habitat destruction,
fragmentation, and degradation, resulting in
significant losses of biodiversity and
ecosystem services. Conservation efforts are
needed to address these issues and ensure
the long-term survival of the forest.
 Presented By

Ma. Edelisa Llena

Rheana Mea Romas
Christian Belamia
The End