Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome

Geography

Characteristics of tropical rainforests

Plant and animal adaptations in tropical rainforests

Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in tropical rainforests

Deforestation in the tropical rainforest

Deforestation in Indonesia’s tropical rainforest

Value of tropical rainforests to people and the environment

Sustainable rainforest management

Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest

Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome

Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in the taiga biome

Threats to the taiga from commercial development

Causes of biodiversity loss in the taiga biome

Creating and protecting wilderness areas in the taiga biome

Conflicting views on protecting/exploiting resources in the taiga biome

Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation

This unit teaches pupils about tropical rainforest and taiga biomes. Pupils learn about its biotic and abiotic characteristics, the adaptations of plants and animals and the threats facing its biodiversity. The unit considers opposing views on protecting and exploiting resources.

Tropical rainforest and taiga biomes

The Taiga biome (also called the boreal forest) has a low {{}} due its long, cold winters and short, mild summers.

They grow large, broad leaves to absorb sunlight

They have needle-like leaves to reduce water loss and withstand snow

How have Taiga plants adapted to the cold, harsh winters?

They grow extra limbs to move in the snow

They grow thicker fur or feathers to stay warm

What is an adaptation of Taiga animals during winter?

Which animal in the Taiga biome is known for its ability to change colour in winter to blend with the snow?

Between 50°N and 70°N latitudes, parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Between 60°S and 80°S latitudes, in Antarctica.

Between 10°N and 30°N latitudes, in South America.

Where is the Taiga biome primarily located?

Which of the following trees are most commonly found in the Taiga?

Which of the following animals is commonly found in the Taiga biome?

What is the climate of the Taiga biome like?

The Taiga biome is most commonly found in which region of the world?

Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome

Lesson outcome