The Taiga

Quick Facts

• Russian word for "forest"
• 30% of all forests
• a.k.a. "Boreal Forest"
• Cold and lonely

Physical Charactaristics

• Siberia and Canadian Shield
• Largest terrestrial biome

Physical Characteristics (Cont.)

• Lakes
• Muskeg
• More liquid than solid

Climate

• Long, cold winters
• -65°F to 30°F
• 12-33 inches of rainfall
• Cool summers
• 30°F to 70°F

Climate (Cont.)

• Permafrost
• Fog
• Dense vegetation
• Abundant water

Permafrost

• Mass carbon storage
• Heat-trapping gases
• Obstructed soil

Predator Adaptations

• Sharp claws
• Talons and teeth
• Great strength
• Changing fur color
• Bears and birds

Prey Adaptations

• White winter fur
• Snowshoe hare
• European Red Squirrel
• Quick, sharp claws and teeth

Plants

• Balsum Fur
• Fire-prone
• Siberian Spruce
• Tallest species of tree in Taiga

Negative Human Impacts

• Logging
• Oil and gas
• Land clearing
• Poaching

Positive Human Impacts

• Forest Stewardship Council
• Taiga Rescue Network
• World Wildlife Foundation