What are the three main types of forest ecosystems?

What are the three main types of forest ecosystems?

There are three general types of forest that exist: temperate, tropical, and boreal. Experts estimate that these forests cover approximately one-third of Earth's surface. Temperate forests are found across eastern North America and Eurasia.

Where is the largest area of old growth forest?

southeast Alaska

Where are the old growth forests?

See old-growth forest for more information.)...United States.

State	Alaska
Area	Tongass National Forest
Old-growth extent	5,400,000 acres (2,200,000 ha)
WWF ecoregion	Northern Pacific coastal forests, Pacific Coastal Mountain icefields and tundra
Old-growth forest type	Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock

Why are old growth forests often more ecologically valuable than second growth forests?

Forests store large amounts of carbon that would otherwise contribute to climate change. ... These oldest trees are to be found in ancient forests. Importantly, older trees are also more valuable for biodiversity than younger trees because they support a wider range of species.

What are second growth trees?

second growth timber - commonly thought of as time ber grown following heavy logging operations, ... In connection with individual trees, the term designates any tree growing under conditions approximating those that would produce a second growth stand.

Why are primary forests important?

Environmental and ecological services: Primary forests including intact forest landscapes are valuable sources of freshwater and regulate hydrological systems within watersheds. They influence local and regional climate and weather, aid in soil retention and temper fire regimes.

Why is selective cutting bad?

Selective logging is causing long-term changes to tropical forests in Africa by facilitating the growth of weeds and vines, which reduces plant diversity and diminishes carbon storage, reports a new paper published in the journal Ecological Research.

What are the benefits of selective cutting?

When practiced correctly, selective cutting has the following benefits.

• Removes trees that are low quality while they are young.
• Removes some of the profitable mature growth.
• Allows more light to penetrate the upper story of growth. ...
• Allows trees that are shade intolerant to receive more light.

Which forest harvesting technique is most profitable?

Clearcutting Timber Harvesting

How long does it take a forest to recover from clear cutting?

65 years

What is a disadvantage of clear cutting?

Clearcutting cons: ... Until the newly planted trees “green up” a hillside, a clearcut is not considered appealing to the general public. Habitat disturbance. Clearcutting alters the habitat where trees once stood, and forest wildlife is displaced into new areas.