Taiga Forest (Boreal) Flashcards
Where are the Taiga Forests located?
The area lies between the colder tundra zone to the north and the warmer.
found in the northern hemisphere close to the polar region, It extends in a belt across North America, Europe,
What cities lay in the region?
Moscow, Russia.
What is the climate like?
The winters are long and cold, and the summers are short and cool
Describe the precipitation.
Precipitation is moderately high throughout the year with snow occurring during the winter month
What trees dominate the forests?
cone-bearing, needle-leaved, or scale-leaved evergreen trees, including pines, spruces, and firs.
How is the soil like?
conifers may grow in thick masses with a layer of low shrubs or herbs beneath, making it hard for the sun to reach the soil.
The soil is relatively poor, and, with the abundant moisture of the boggy land, the ground covering is mostly mosses, liverworts, and lichens.
What animals inhabit the region?
The taiga is suitable for animals able to adapt to a cold environment
Small rodents such as squirrels are plentiful, as are rabbits.
The burrowing insectivorous moles and ermines of the weasel family also occupy the taiga
Larger animals include moose, wolves, reindeer, and bears.
How do animals adapt to the cold?
- Most animals migrate to warmer climates once the cold weather begins.
- Some animals have adapted to life in the taiga by hibernating when temperatures drop.
- Other animals have adapted to the extreme cold temperatures by producing a layer of insulating feathers or fur to protect them from the cold.
Describe environmental issues
One of the main industries in the taiga is logging. Parts of the area are also rich in natural gas, oil, and coal, and mining and drilling occurs in some places. These activities have been detrimental to the environment in many areas of the taiga.
