Taiga Biomes Unit

What does the taiga look like? In large portions of Canada, Europe, and Asia - Large population centers, such as Moscow and Toronto, can be found in the southern portion of this biome, but the northern portion is relatively unpopulated

Location The taiga is located right under the tundra Latitude- 50-60 N

Characteristics of Taiga The biome of the needle-leaf forest The largest biome in the world 29% of world’s forest cover Russian word meaning “forest” Susceptible to wildfires because of the dryness Areas once covered with glaciers during the last ice age that have now receded

Climate Below freezing for 6 months of the year Winter temp ranges from -65°F- 30°F Little evaporation so snow may remain on the ground for up to nine months in the northern most parts Short summers: 60-100 frost free days High in the summer reach 70°F Total precipitation is 12-33 inches per yr

Animals The cold climate prevents many animals from living here year round Snow, cold, and scarcity of food make life challenging Some taiga animals migrate south, some hibernate, and others cope with the environment Insulating feathers or fur to keep them warm Camouflage of coats

Animals- adapted to cold winters

Plants Many of the same tree species Similar conifers (evergreens)

Plants Balsam fir Black spruce Douglas-fir White fir White Fir

Plant adaptations Conifers= trees that have cones Tree shape Keeping their leaves all year round evergreen Small, thin, needle like leaves Color of leaves Leaves contain resin

Conifer