Page 161 - SST Class 07

Mediterranean Forests : The west and south-
west margins of continents are different from the
east and north-east margins. While most of the
east and north-east margins are covered by
temperate evergreen and deciduous forests the
west and south-west margins have mediterra-
nean forests.

Mediterranean regions are known as the ‘or-
chards of the world’ because of their fruit cultiva-
tion. The trees in this region adapt themselves to
the dry summers with the help of their thick barks Coniferous Forest
and wax coated leaves which reduce transpira- sports goods. Chir, pine, cedar, fir, spruce and
tion. larch are the main species found in coniferous
Since these are found in the areas around the forests.
mediterranean sea in Europe, Africa and Asia; Silver fox, mink, polar bear, sable and beavers
these are called mediterranean forests. This kind are commonly found in these forests. Most of
of vegetation is also found outside the actual these are important for fur. Caribou, Reindeer
mediterranean region such as in California in the and Wolves are also found here.
USA, South-west Africa, South-western South
America and South-west Australia. These regions
experience dry summers and mild rainy winters.
Citrus fruits such as oranges, olives, grapes and
figs are grown here. The natural vegetation has
been removed so that people can cultivate what
they want to. Much wildlife is not found in these
regions.
Coniferous Forests : These are evergreen
forests found between latitudes 50°N and 70° N.
They are also called ‘Taiga’ and also found in the Silver Fox
higher altitudes on high mountain ranges like the
Himalayas and the Alps. Found in Northern parts
of North America, Europe and Asia, they lie in
parts of Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden,
Finland, Poland, Russia and Siberia. Trees are tall
and straight, with small needle like leaves. These
trees are softwood trees and are extremely
important commercially because they are used
for making pulp which is used for manufacturing
paper and newsprint. The wood is also used for
making furniture, matchsticks, plywood and
Mink Polar Bear

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