Coniferous forests (fir, pine, spruce) make up one-third of the world’s forests and are found in northern parts of North America, Europe and Asia where temperatures tend to be lower and winter tends to last longer. Ever wonder what a pinecone really is? Pine trees are some of the best-known conifers, and pinecones are their way of spreading seeds. Most of the trees in coniferous forests are conifers (or evergreens) which are the toughest and longest living trees in the world. They have needle like leaves have a waxy outer coat which prevents water loss in freezing weather. Their branches are soft and flexible, pointed downwards, so that snow slides off them.