Barrons AP Environmental Science

Figure  4.21    Temperate   coniferous  forest  climatograph

Structurally, these forests are rather simple, generally consisting of two
layers: an overstory and an understory. Some forests may support an
intermediate layer of shrubs. Pine forests support an understory that is generally
dominated by grasses which are often subject to ecologically important
wildfires. The moist conditions of temperate rainforests generally support an
understory of mosses, ferns, and some shrubs.
The wildlife includes rich fur-bearing animals, such as mink, foxes, lynxes,
and beavers.