TAIGA
The taiga represents the largest terrestrial biome. The taiga is found in northern
Eurasia and North America, Scandinavia, and two-thirds of Siberia. The
southern taiga (known as boreal forests) consists primarily of cold-tolerant
evergreen conifers with needle-like leaves, such as pines, spruces, and larches,
whereas the northern taiga is more barren as it approaches the tree line and the
tundra biome. The harsh climate in the taiga limits both productivity and
resilience. Cold temperatures, very wet soil during the growing season, and acids
produced by fallen needles and moss inhibit the full decay of organic matter. As
a result, thick layers of semi-decayed organic matter, called peat, form.
Figure 4.23 Southern taiga (boreal forest) climatograph