Taiga

Nick name for the Taiga

"the palmtop tiger"

Animals

1. Moose

2. Arctic wolf

Animal Adaptations

1. The Siberian tiger has a thick fur coat to survive the very cold winters

2. The porcupine has quills to protect itself from predators

Plant species

1.Balsam Fir

2. Spruces

Plant adaptations

1. Because it is hard to get water when everything freezes all the evergreen trees have needles instead of leaves. They lose less water because of this.

2. All of the trees in this environment have adapted a cone like structure so the snow slides off their branches easier.

How have humans affected this environment?

One of the major ways humans have affected the taiga is by logging. There are thousands upon thousands of tall conifer trees which we as humans have taken advantage of. The use of pesticides has also lead to large scale habitat loss.

Facts about the Taiga

1. Most of the plant life in the Taiga is conifer trees. These are one of the only type of trees that can survive in this area.

2. The Taiga is the largest terrestrial biome

3. As strange as it sounds fires are very common in this environment. They help to get rid of old trees and sticks

4. Because evergreen trees (most of the trees in the biome) don't drop leaves the taiga has very poor soil

5. Softwood timber is what is used to make paper. Most of the softwood timber we use is from the Taiga.

THE TAIGA HAS A POLAR CLIMATE