Taiga
Emily Broach
The Location
The taiga biome is located in the northern part of North America, Asia and Europe. It is known as the largest biome in the world. The largest part of the taiga biome is located in Russia and Canada.
The Climate
The taiga biome is a very cold place, with fewer than four months having temperaures over 50 degreess F. Cold winds are brought up by the Artic Circle . Winter is the longest season, lasting up to 6 months, while summer is short and rainy. Fall is the shortest season and spring brings out animals from hibernation. The average rainfall for the biome is around12-33 inches and is normally brought in summer
Plant Life
Since the weather in the Taiga biome is cold most of the year it isnt able to have a lot of plants. All the trees above are good matches for the Taiga biome because they dont drop their leaves when the weather gets cold. Growing leaves take a lot of energy and plants make energy by using the sun and photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires nutrients and the Taiga soil doesnt have good nutrients in the soil.
Animals
American Black Bear
The American Black Bear can weigh up to 220-594 pounds and can live to be 25 years old. The Black Bear has a well adapted coat with layers and layers of fur, to protect itself from the harsh winters. Its claws are aslo adapted for climbing trees.
The Bobcat
The Bobcat is about 2 feet long and can weigh 13-23 pounds. The Bobcat has many adaptations to survive. One adaptaion is its fur. Its fur changes colors with the seasons to blend in and it helps it hunt. The Bobcat also has little clumps of fur around its ears to make its hearing better.
The Grey Wolf
The Grey Wolf can weigh 40-176 pounds and can live to be 17 years old. The Grey Wolf also has many adaptaions. One adaptaion is it long gaurd hairs to keep moisture out. They also have paws with fleshy pads and claws to help walk in the snow.
Food Web
Predator and Prey
The Grey Wolf eats moose, caribou and other deer-like-animals.
The Bobcat eats mice, squirrels, rabbits, and birds.
The Red Fox eats rabbits and hares.
Thev River Otter eats fish, shellfish, snails and beetles
Cooperation and Competition
Competition- Since the wolves and the red foxes both eat the same prey it is a competition for the prey.
Cooperation- The redwood provides the moss a place to live while the moss gives the tree protection.
Fun Facts!
-The taiga is prone to wildfires. Because of this, many trees have adapted to this by growing thick bark, which can protect the tree from a mild fire.
-Because of cold temperatures, decomposition is slow in the taiga. Dead vegetation will pile up on the forest floor, making a sponge-like covering.
Ecological Concerns
Threats- Since the biome does not have good nutrients in the soil, when a tree or plant is destroyed it taked years to grow back.
Endangered Species- Snow Leopards, Siberian Tiger, Siberian Crane, Wood Bison, etc.
Global Importance- The Taigas glaciers melt and creat 40% of the worlds fresh water.