There are different types of forests depending on where they are and what types of trees grow in them. In Western Europe the eastern United States and parts of Canada and Russia there are temperate deciduous forests made up of trees such as oaks maples and birches. These are the trees that look so beautiful in the fall when their leaves change to gorgeous shades of orange and yellow. In colder areas we can find temperate coniferous forests such as the vast forests of pine fir and spruce in Scotland Scandinavia and the western US.

The most northerly forests are the boreal (taiga) forests which spread across northern Canada all the way to Russia. These forests take up more land than any other forests in the world and are made up of sturdy trees which can survive the cold and snow. And finally far from the cold and snow lie the tropical rainforests of the equator. These hot moist forests which in some parts form dense jungles are great spots for scientists as they’re home to half the plant and animal species on the entire globe!

To read the rest of this story please buy this issue of Mishpacha or sign up for a weekly subscription.