The Taiga Biome
By: Evie Wood and Brent Beard
The Boreal Forest
The boreal forest, also known as the Taiga, is the world's largest land-based biome. The Taiga stretches across Europe, Canada and Asia. The Taiga makes up 29% of the world's forest cover.The coldest temperature ever recorded in the Taiga is -65ºF. The boreal forest stores more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem on Earth.
The Climate Conditions
The Taiga biome is known for having harsh climate conditions. Winter in the Taiga are long and cold. This is due to the chilly winds blowing from the Arctic. The summers are short and wet. The average temperature in the summer is in the 70s. The warm temperatures causes the ice the melt which creates lakes.
Soil Conditions
The soil in the Taiga is thin and nutrient poor. The soil beneath the Taiga often contains a layer of permafrost which is a permanently frozen soil. In other areas of the Taiga, a layer of bedrock lies beneath the soil. The permafrost and rock prevent the water draining from the top layers of soil which creates bogs. The soil is also very acidic because of the needles shedding from the coniferous trees.
Plants
Jack Pine
The Jack Pine is coniferous tree located in the Taiga. It is mostly found cold states and countries. The waxy pine needles and rough bark protect the pine from the occasional forest fires. The slender branches also let the snow slide off the pine. The jack pine is mostly found in areas with sandy soil.
Balsam Fir
The Balsam Fir is also a coniferous tree. The fir has a shallow root system which is allows it to grow in the Taiga. The fir is climax growing tree which means they grow in old undisturbed forests. Unlike the pine, the fir is the least fire resistant evergreen in North America. It takes 30 to 50 years for the fir to appear after a fire.
Siberian Spruce
The Siberian spruce is coniferous tree that can grow up to 30 meters high. The cone shape of the spruce allows snow to roll off the branches. The thick waxy coating on the needles protect the spruce from the drying winds. The dark green color of the needles allow the spruce to absorb the maximum energy to begin photosynthesis. The Serbian spruce make up 5.7% of total area of the Boreal forest.
Animals
American Black Bear
The American Black Bear has rounded ears, a short stubby tail and short claws that are useful for climbing. The many shaggy layers of the black bear's coat keep it warm during the winter in the Taiga. The bear also hibernates during the winter to avoid having to search for food in the winter. The black bear helps the Taiga by killing off the elderly and weaklings of the overpopulated prey.
Snowshoe Rabbit
The snowshoe rabbit is larger than most rabbits. It's webbed toes act as snowshoes which keeps it from sinking into the snow. The fur on the bottom of the rabbit's feet keep it from getting cold and gives it traction to run away from predators. The snowshoe rabbit has white fur which helps it hide in the snow. The snowshoe rabbit is also a good swimmer and often escapes predators by jumping into water. It can run up to 27 mph and jump 10 feet in one jump.
Wolverine
The wolverine is know for its physical strength and hunting skills. The wolverine has a very strong jaw that can bite through frozen meat and bone. It also has a very keen sense of smell that helps it locate food. It's feet also act as snowshoes by keeping them from sinking into the snow. Wolverines like to find shelter in rock crevices to escape from predators or bad weather.