Forest Biomes

A forest is a biome dominated by trees and the communities of plants, animals and other organisms that live among them. Forests cover a large share of the Earth's land and are grouped into broad types according to climate. Tropical rainforests grow in warm, wet regions near the equator; temperate forests occupy milder mid-latitude zones and often shed their leaves in autumn; and boreal forests of cone-bearing trees stretch across cold northern latitudes. Each type supports characteristic species suited to its temperature and rainfall.

Tropical rainforests are especially notable for their biodiversity. Although they cover a relatively small portion of the land surface, they are home to a large proportion of the world's plant and animal species. Their dense, layered canopy intercepts sunlight and rain, creating distinct living zones from the forest floor to the treetops. Forests also play a major part in global cycles: trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, store large amounts of carbon, and influence rainfall and soil stability.

Forests are home to many indigenous communities whose ways of life are closely tied to the land. They provide timber, food, medicines and other resources, but they are also under pressure from logging, agriculture and other forms of clearing. Conservation efforts aim to protect remaining forests, sustain their biodiversity and maintain the ecological services they provide, balancing human needs against the long-term health of these ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of forest?

The major types are tropical forests near the equator, temperate forests in mid-latitudes, and boreal or coniferous forests in cold northern regions, each shaped by its local climate.

Why are rainforests so biodiverse?

Their warm, wet, stable climate and layered structure provide many habitats and abundant resources year-round, allowing a very large number of plant and animal species to coexist.

Why is forest conservation important?

Forests store carbon, produce oxygen, protect soil and water, harbour vast biodiversity and support human communities, so their loss has wide environmental and social consequences.