1. Taiga
Biomes Unit

2. 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

3. Location
The taiga is located right under the tundra
Latitude N

4. 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

5. 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: frost free days
High in the summer reach 70°F
Total precipitation is inches per yr

6. 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

7. Animals- adapted to cold winters

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

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

10. 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

11. Conifer