Question

5-8 different features of the native PNW Temperate evergreen forest biome.

Answer 1

The massive, evergreen coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest are unique among temperate forest regions of the world.

There are some features,
* The region’s forests escaped
decimation during Pleistocene glaciation; they are now dominated by a few broadly
distributed and well-adapted conifers that grow to large size and great age.
*Large trees with evergreen needle- or scale-like leaves have distinct advantages under the current climatic regime.
*Photosynthesis and nutrient uptake and storage are possible during the relatively warm, wet fall and winter months.
*High evaporative demand during the warm, dry summer reduces photosynthesis.
*Deciduous hardwoods are rerepeatedly at a disadvantage in competing with conifers in the regional climate.
*Their photosynthesis is predominantly limited to the growing season when evaporative demand is high and water is often limiting.
*Most nutrients needed are also less available at this time.
*The large size attained by conifers provides a buffer against environmetal stress, especially for nutrients and moisture.
*The long duration between destructive fires and storms permits conifers to outgrow hardwoods with more limited stature and life spans.