Ecological Regions of the United States

The US is a federal republic comprising 50 states and is the third largest country in the world with a total area of 3,676,476 square miles. The population of the country is 323,425,550, making it as one of the most populous countries in the world. The country is characterized by varied geographical features including different climatic types, significant natural features like mountains, forests, hills, and deserts among others are common in the country. Alaska is the highest peak in the country at an elevation of 20,310 feet above the sea level. The country is home to a wide range of biodiversity. There are over 17000 species of plants, 428 mammal species, over 300 species of reptiles and 91 species of insects. The country is divided into several ecological regions covering the 50 states.

Alaska Peninsula Montane Taiga

Alaska Peninsula Montane Taiga covers the Northern part of America. The climate in the area is dominated by high precipitation and moderate temperatures. Precipitation ranges from 600mm to 3300mm. The temperatures vary from -11 degrees centigrade during winter and 15 degrees Celsius during summer. Though the region is highly glaciated, it is free from frost due to the maritime climate. The major activities in Alaska Peninsula Montane Taiga include fishing, mining, and hunting. The ecological region is home to waterfowl, moose, squirrel, and the hare. Alaska Peninsula Montane Taiga has not suffered any significant destruction. The ecological region is still mostly intact. There are also protected areas within this ecological region that help protect it from human activities.

Alaska-St. Elias Range Tundra

Alaska-St. Elias Range Tundra is characterized by rugged mountains from the Alaska Peninsula to Alaska Range. This ecological region covers an area of 169091 square kilometers and experiences an annual precipitation of 400mm and a temperature range between -34 to 22 degrees centigrade. The region is also characterized by permanent ice while glaciation is common especially during summer. Alaska-St. Elias Range Tundra has not suffered much habitat loss or degradation. Damages to this region are attributed to the entrance to Denali National Park. Coal mining has also contributed to the loss of some habitat. Some of the protected areas in the region include Denali National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Denali State Park, and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. The government puts emphasis on the conservation of this ecological region.

Allegheny Highlands Forests

Allegheny Highlands Forests consist of two species of trees beech and hemlock accounts for more than 60% of all the trees in this ecological region. Other trees making up the region include sugar maple, white ash, white pine and black cherry. Most of these species came after the wind throw fires. Less than 1% of Allegheny Highlands Forests remains intact as a result of the deforestation and agriculture practiced in the region.The few blocks of habitat are also facing continued threat of destruction.

Conclusion

Other important ecological regions in the US include Appalachian Mixed Mesophytic Forests, Appalachian-Blue Ridge Forests, Arctic Coastal Tundra, Arctic Foothills Tundra, Arizona Mountains Forests, Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens, Beringia Lowland Tundra and Beringia Upland Tundra. The major terrestrial biome includes Boreal Forests and Taiga, Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests and Tundra.