The predominant vegetation of boreal biome are needle-leaf evergreen variety tree species . The understory is relatively limited as a result of the low light penetration even during the spring and fall months. Understory plants in the deciduous biome take advantage of the leafless condition of trees during these seasons concentrating there growth during this time period. The understory of boreal forest habitats is usually poorly developed. Reptiles are rare, once again, because of cold temperatures .
Bears are common in the boreal forest ecosystem.
Boreal forest soils are characterized by a deep litter layer and slow decomposition . Soils of this biome are also acidic and mineral deficient because of the large movement of water vertically though the profile and subsequent leaching . As its name indicates, this biome is characterized by a moderate climate and deciduous trees. It once occupied much of the eastern half of the United States, central Europe, Korea, and China. This biome has been very extensively affected by human activity, and much of it has been converted into agricultural fields or urban developments.