Evergreen+Coniferous+Forests+Animal+Adaptations+example

Evergreen coniferous forests contain different species of mammals, birds, and insects. Due to the long, cold, harsh winters, animals have adapted to withstand these intense climates by developing certain helpful traits. C1]

Smaller mammals such as wolverines and lynxes have broad paws with spread out toes that allow them to walk over deep snow effectively, without sinking. This adaptation is useful because it allows these carnivores to run at a powerful speed and effectively catch their prey in the winter even with the heavy snowfall. It also allows them to travel greater distances without getting tired. C1], C2] C3]

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Elk are large mammals that reside in the often-cold climates of Evergreen Coniferous forests. To survive in harsh conditions, elk have developed a versatile coat. In summer, elk's coats consist of just one layer of hair. However, in fall and winter they grow a coat composed of thick, long hairs and a dense woolly undercoat to help contain their body heat. These coats are five times warmer than their summer counterparts.[ C4 ] [ C5 ]

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The Snowshoe Hare can be found in Coniferous forests of North America. In order to survive the climate conditions, the Snowshoe Hare has developed multiple adaptations. In the winter, the Snowshoe Hare's large, furry feet, similar to wolverines and lynx, allow it to quickly run on snow to avoid predators. The Snowshoe Hare's fur coat also changes seasonally; in the summer, their fur is darker on their head, back, and legs, with a white underside. In the winter, their fur turns white all over except for their black eyelids and ears. This changing of fur color allows them to camouflage in both the summer and winter and is useful because helps them avoid predators by blending in with their surroundings. C7]

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