Adaptations for boreal forests

Animals:

• Numerous animal species are found in boreal (coniferous) forests. 

• Most boreal animals migrate to warmer regions during winter.
• Some animals hibernate during winter months.
• Some animals have a thick layer of fur or feathers to protect themselves from cold.

Plants:

• The trees shed snow easily, and they retain their needles through the winter.
• The needles themselves are well-adapted, with thick waxy coatings and small surface area, to resist cold conditions and minimize water loss.
• Boreal forests receive heavy snowfall.
• Trees have a conical shape which allows the snow to slide off easily.
• Most trees found in boreal forests are evergreens.
• Trees have narrowed; needle-like leaves.
• This kind of structure protects the leaves from damage.
• Growth of new leaves require a huge amount of energy.
• The soil found in boreal forest does not contain many nutrients.
• Also, these regions do not receive much sunlight.
• Boreal forest plants are able to conserve energy by not shedding their leaves.
• The growth of new leaves is also scarce.

Glimpse of boreal forest

• Boreal forests are so cold that the ground freezes during winter months.
• Because of this, the plants are not able to get water.
• Narrow, needle-like leaves help boreal forest trees to conserve water.