Table 2.
Synthesis of some characteristics of boreal, tropical, and subtropical forests.
| Forest Region | Boreal Forests | Tropical Forests | Subtropical Forest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Located in the north of the northern hemisphere. Russia (Siberia, European part); Canada (Yukon, British Columbia, to Newfoundland and Labrador); United States (Alaska); Sweden (North and center); Finland (North and East); Norway (North); Iceland Estonia; Latvia; Lithuania Kazakhstan (North); Mongolia (North). |
Approximately 85 countries contain tropical forest ecosystems that cover 18 million km2. Brazil (Amazon rainforest); Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea); Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo Forest); Peru (Amazon rainforest); Colombia (Amazon Region); Venezuela (Amazon jungle, Orinoco Forests); Malaysia (Peninsular and island); Papua New Guinea; Bolivia (Amazon rainforest); Madagascar India (Northeast, western Ghats); Australia (Northern Queensland); Mexico (South, Yucatan Peninsula, Chiapas); Thailand |
It is normally located between 23.5° and 35° latitude in both hemispheres. United States (Southeast, Florida, Georgia); China (South, Yunnan); Australia (East Coast, New South Wales, Queensland); India (Northeast, Western Ghats); Brazil (South, Paraná, São Paulo); Argentina (North, Misiones); Mexico (South, Chiapas, Veracruz); South Africa (East Coast, KwaZulu-Natal); Japan (South, Kyushu); New Zealand (North Island, Northland). |
| Climate | Extreme cold with temperatures that can drop to −45 degrees Celsius and short growing seasons. | Warm and humid with year-round growing seasons. | Generally warm with high humidity. Two different seasons: a hot and humid summer and a cooler and drier winter. |
| Vegetation | Forest soils are usually low in fertility and acidic, with a thin A horizon. These forests are dominated by conifers, spruce, pine, and larch, along with birch and poplar. | Various plant species and dense vegetation. Generally, tropical forest ecosystems extend further towards the poles, where humidity is adequate. | Diverse and dense, with a variety of trees, shrubs, and undergrowth. Evergreen broadleaf dominates these forests. |
| Species Diversity | Lower species diversity | Extremely high species diversity | The high diversity of species varies depending on the specific region. |
| Dominant Fauna | Moose, caribou, wolves, bears, owls. | Jaguars, monkeys, various birds, insects, and species of mushrooms. | Monkeys, tigers, snakes and numerous species of birds. |
| Impact on Biodiversity | Influenced by recurrent disturbances (fires, insect infestations). Habitat fragmentation causes species to be moved. | It houses the greatest biodiversity on the planet, which is why they are the true thermometer of the planet. This forest helps stabilize the world’s climate | These forests play a crucial role in the maintenance of biodiversity. They serve as vital refuges for migratory species. Help stabilize the global climate |
| Carbon Storage | Important for carbon storage | Carbon storage and oxygen production. | Important carbon reservoirs |
| Importance of the Ecosystem | One of the world’s leading providers of ecosystem services. Storage of carbon and fresh water. | High biodiversity, ecological services, and climate balance | It is important to maintain ecological and climatic balance. |