World Builders: Biome Food Web in Coniferous Forest

World Builders: Biome Food Web in Coniferous Forest
By Elizabeth Anne Viau

Here we see a diagram of some of the food web interactions in a coniferous forest.

The primary producers are the coniferous trees and the undergrowth beneath them: the small bushes, grasses, bulbs, mosses and ferns. These plants grow in soil enriched by the life processes of soil bacteria, nematodes, worms, fungi and protozoa: decomposers recycle the nutrients in fallen trees and needles. Because of cold winters and the toughness of the pine needles, decomposition is slow, and it may take several years to break down needles and twigs. When you walk in such a forest the ground is often carpeted with fallen needles.

Rains and snow water the forest, and the runoff water collects in streams and small marshy areas. These areas provide habitat for willows, aspens, beavers, birds and fishes.

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