The zone of mixed forests of Russia extends in the form of a triangle. Its base lies near the western borders of Russia, and the peak rests in the Ural Mountains. In this area of the country, good conditions for plants and animals. The average January temperatures of these places range from -14 to -6 ° C, and the average July temperatures range from +16 to +21 ° C. Moisture enough. Therefore, for plants there are excellent conditions for growth.
Mixed forest trees
The main tree species that form such forests are birch, spruce, common pine, linden, elm, hornbeam, ash, aspen.
Oaks in mixed forests mainly grow apart. Other trees find it difficult to compete. After all, this hero has a powerful trunk, and he throws his branches several meters around. Under the shade of an oak tree and shrubs feel uncomfortable, so usually these trees grow in a forest, as it were, on separate islands. Only shade-tolerant flora and mushroom representatives can find refuge under the mighty handsome.
Plants of mixed forests of Russia are not only sprawling oak, but also slender birches. They are more compact, so shrubs can grow next to them, for example, euonymus, elderberry, buckthorn, hazel, raspberry. Kalina loves moisture, so she feels great in the lowlands. Birches can also grow in such conditions. In this case, a sphagnum moss finds refuge around them . And on it in the summer you can often find boletus mushrooms. About them will be discussed a little later, but for now we are talking about plants of mixed forests.
Helpers and enemies of the trees
Birches grow in whole groups, creating groves. Often next to them find a haven of aspen. They also do not take up much space, so these two species of flora coexist perfectly together. Pines, spruces, like oaks, form a rather dense shadow underneath. Therefore, under these trees it is difficult for plants to develop normally. But the needles, falling to the ground, are eventually processed by microorganisms living in the ground - and fertile soil is formed. Trees in this way feed themselves. The same applies to leaves, which eventually form a layer of humus. It provides nutrition to trees, attracts earthworms that process plant debris and make the soil more loose. In addition to assistants, they also have pests. So, bark beetles in one summer can destroy hundreds of trees. But clever nature has created woodpeckers that take out pests from the deepest layers of the bark and cleverly cope with them.
Mixed forest birds
In addition to the black woodpecker, trees have many other helpers. For example, a great tit. It destroys many forest pests. Thanks to it, woody plants of mixed forests get rid of weevils, damselflies, aphids, etc. It destroys pests, which are mainly located in the lower part of the tree.
A little tit called Muscovite has a weight of only 9 grams. But she, too, deftly deals with harmful insects. Nuthatch is another bird that lives in these places. She often wanders from place to place, simultaneously treating trees in mixed forests. Klest-elovnik also chose a place for himself here. Mixed forest plants are his home for him. As for the black grouse, yellow-headed king, owl, finch, and sandpiper.
When birds sing songs, they fill the forest with enchanting sounds. It is impossible not to hear the song of the nightingale, who also lives in these places. In May-June you can hear the voices of cuckoos. Golden Eagle - one of the largest birds of prey in mixed forests. The mass of his body can reach 4 kilograms. Peregrine Falcon is also a bird of prey found in mixed forests. This rare species of birds is under state protection.
Mixed forest: plants and animals
In addition to many birds, forests provide shelter for various species of animals. Here live hedgehogs, European ferrets.
In marshy places, on lakes and in ponds, beavers and muskrats are found. They feed on fish and aquatic plants that grow in ponds of mixed forests. Beaver enjoys relishing and wood. The muskrat builds tunnel burrows underground or, like a beaver, huts. The female muskrat gives birth to 1-3 cubs, and the beaver - 3-4 babies.
Dangerous animals of the forest
Predators live in these places, for example, lynx. This mammal belongs to the Feline family. Basically, she hunts for a hare, but can attack a deer, catch birds and rodents for food.
Predators threaten the poor hare from all sides. The red fox is also not averse to attacking a gaping animal. Foxes live between stones or in burrows. Some of their menus are frogs and bird eggs. At one time, the female can produce up to 12 cubs.
There are even snakes in mixed forests. In addition to harmless snakes, there is also a poisonous viper. What plants in mixed forests does she prefer for her refuge? This is mainly tall grass, and near the wetlands of sedge. Therefore, a person in the forest, where vipers are found, you need to walk in high boots and it is better to wander along beaten paths, and not in tall grass. The viper loves to bask in the sun in open areas, and hide in the roots of trees. Therefore, care must be taken near such places.
Meeting with wild boars is also highly undesirable. Even if you meet a small piglet in the forest, go away from him, as his formidable parents are somewhere nearby. The story of the animals of the forest can be concluded by mentioning the elk, bear, wolf, who also live here.
Mixed and deciduous forests
Plants of these places, like animals, are also very diverse. In addition to large trees and shrubs, there are all kinds of flowers, herbs, mosses. Mushrooms can also be attributed to the plant flora. It's nice to wander through the woods in the middle of summer or early autumn and bring home strong boletus, red-headed cap boletus, slender boletus. Chanterelles and mushrooms delight with their colorful beauty. These mushrooms grow in the soil, but honey mushrooms choose old or dead trees for themselves. Mostly birches.
For the most part, the grass cover of this zone is composed of oak plants: Zelenchuk, sedge, hairy hoof. Some taiga species are also found in transitional zones: sour, weekly, weekly, grushanka, maynik and others.
There are also many berry plants in this natural oasis. Here you can collect a lot of wild strawberries, bones, blueberries, cranberries. Flowers - daisies, buttercups, lilies of the valley and others - delight the eyes.
These are the animals and plants of the mixed forests of Russia. It is important not to forget to take nature very carefully and protect it from unkind people and fires.