Why are conifers more common at higher elevations?

Conifer trees are generally the most common trees at higher elevations. There are number of ways they are adapted to survive in the mountains. Conifer trees, such as pine trees and other common trees of the Rockies, are adapted to survive higher up on mountains where broadleaf or deciduous trees can’t live.

Can conifers grow in the tropics?

Most tropical conifers are confined to cooler mountain areas where they form solid stands or grow with tropical hardwoods, while a few species inhabit lower elevations.

Where do conifers grow slower?

Conifers specialize at growing in poor soils that are often sandier and drier than the richer soils found in deciduous forests.

Why do conifers grow in colder climates?

So how do they survive the cold, dry conditions of winter? Coniferous trees have different leaf adaptations. Their needles are long and thin. This means that they have a small surface area.

Why are trees shorter at higher elevations?

Trees grow all over the world, in many different types of weather. But above certain elevations, trees just cant grow. Small trees need less moisture and less oxygen. The trees will get shorter and shorter until the weather is too harsh for any trees, large or small, to grow.

Why do fir trees grow in mountains?

Answer: Pine and fir tree grow in hilly areas because there habitat is like that moreover there leaves are designed in such a way that snow sheds from it. THERE HABITAT IS ARAPTED TO MOUNTAINS AND HILLY AREAS.

Do conifers like humidity?

Plants will do best in humidity of 50 percent or above. Place the plant away from any heating vents, as this can damage the plant and also encourage spider mites. Fertilize throughout the growing season and avoid fertilizing during the winter months when growth has slowed or stopped.

Can conifers survive hot weather?

Many evergreen trees can survive and even thrive in hot locations if heat-tolerant varieties are selected and the trees are correctly maintained. When selecting heat-tolerant evergreens to enhance home landscapes, most people think of conifers which exhibit needles that stay green year-round.

Why trees do not grow after a certain altitude?

Trees don’t grow above the timberline because of high winds, low moisture, and cold temperatures. Trees grow all over the world, in many different types of weather. But above certain elevations, trees just cant grow. Small trees need less moisture and less oxygen.

Why do conifers dominate the Pacific Northwest?

Why do conifers dominate PNW forests, but not in nearly all other North Temperate forests? summer drought cuts into the photosynthesis of hardwoods more than conifers, because: -large size of conifers allows them to store more water in the sapwood of the stem (trunk).

Why do conifers dominate the north?

They can shut down when times are tough. some photosynthesis at times when deciduous trees have no leaves. So, they tend to dominate in regions with very short growing seasons. trees to survive, but conifers can do photosynthesis year round.

How do conifers adapt to the cold?

They have several adaptations that help them grow in colder, drier conditions. Their needles are heavily cutinized (covered with a protective, waxy coating that slows water vapor loss). Their small surface area helps reduce evaporative water loss.

What are the characteristics of tropical and subtropical conifer forests?

Tropical and Subtropical Coniferous Forests are characterized by diverse species of conifers, whose needles are adapted to deal with the variable climatic conditions. Many migratory birds and butterflies spend winter in tropical and subtropical conifer forests.

Where do conifers grow in tropical rainforests?

Most tropical conifers are confined to cooler mountain areas where they form solid stands or grow with tropical hardwoods, while a few species inhabit lower elevations. The dammars ( Agathis ), for instance, dominate lowland tropical rain forests in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where they support an important forest industry.

What is the distribution of conifers?

Distribution of conifers. Conifer species are found throughout the globe and the only large land mass they are absent from is Antarctica. The most extensive conifer stands are found in the higher latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere through the boreal forests of North America, Asia and Europe. Conifers are also common in tropical areas.

Why are conifers shaped the way they are?

That shape is important because it keeps them from falling over in the winter from too much snow collecting on them. Snow accumulates on branches and leaves or needles when it is snowing a lot. The conical shape of conifers prevents as much accumulation as there would be on a wider shaped tree.