 
Taiga, or boreal forest, is found around the Earth, just south of the tundra. Taiga regions are easily recognized for their evergreen growth, including pine, fir and spruce. Lichens, mosses and ferns are found in open areas.Taiga regions have a longer growing season than tundra, so there are more plants and animals. Much of northern Alberta is taiga forest, which makes the region a valuable source of lumber. Coniferous trees have needles containing resin, which makes them resistant to the cold, and able to do photosynthesis year-round. Animals are well-adapted to the cold; many hibernate during the winter, while others change the colour of their coats to white for camouflage.   Taiga regions have cool summers and cold winters, with 40-100 cm of precipitation yearly. Plant life includes coniferous trees, lichens, mosses, and small shrubs, as well as some deciduous trees such as birch, willow and poplar. Animals native to the region include rodents, rabbits, squirrels, moose, bear, lynx, fox and wolves. Birds can include woodpeckers, chickadees, hawks and eagles. |