Skip to content
Skip to content
Teachers
Go to pupils
View unit
New
New
Lesson 9 of 16
  • Edexcel B

Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome

I can describe the interdependence of biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome.

View unit
Lesson 9 of 16
New
New
  • Edexcel B

Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome

I can describe the interdependence of biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The taiga is an example of a global biome.
  2. The taiga has distinctive biotic (living) characteristics (plants, animals and humans).
  3. The taiga has distinctive abiotic (non-living) characteristics (climate, soil and water).
  4. Biotic and abiotic characteristics are interdependent.

Keywords

  • Biome - a large-scale ecosystem with specific climate, plants and animals

  • Climate - the average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time

  • Biotic - living components of the environment, such as plants, animals and microorganisms

  • Abiotic - non-living components, such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, soil quality and sunlight

Common misconception

Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors of the taiga operate independently.

The taiga’s cold climate affects its plants and animals. Cold temperatures influence vegetation. Poor, acidic soil slows decomposition and limits plant diversity. Snow and short growing seasons impact animal behaviors and population patterns.

The lesson in this unit called "Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation" gives students opportunities to explore and measure deforestation using accessible GIS tools.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the terms and their definitions.

Correct Answer:Biome,Large, distinct region, characterised by climate, vegetation, wildlife

Large, distinct region, characterised by climate, vegetation, wildlife

Correct Answer:Ecosystem,Community of living organisms interacting with each other

Community of living organisms interacting with each other

Correct Answer:Habitat,A specific area where organisms live

A specific area where organisms live

Q2.
The of a region refers to the long-term weather patterns and average weather conditions in that area.

Correct Answer: climate

Q3.
Where is the taiga biome primarily located?

Near the equator
In the Southern Hemisphere
Correct answer: In the Northern Hemisphere

Q4.
Which type of trees predominantly make up the taiga forest?

Deciduous trees
Correct answer: Coniferous trees
Broadleaf trees
Palm trees

Q5.
Which of the following is a threat to the taiga biome?

Desertification
Correct answer: Deforestation
Overgrazing by camels
Coral bleaching

Q6.
What does biotic mean?

Correct answer: Living components of the environment, such as plants, animals and microorganisms
Non-living components, such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, soil quality
A large-scale ecosystem with specific climate, plants and animals

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.

Correct Answer:biodiversity,the variety of species found in a habitat

the variety of species found in a habitat

Correct Answer:adaptations,a feature or behaviour that helps an animal or plant survive

a feature or behaviour that helps an animal or plant survive

Correct Answer:habitats,the natural place where a plant or animal lives and grows

the natural place where a plant or animal lives and grows

Q2.
Why is adaptation important?

1 - Adaptations occur as a result of evolution.
2 - Within a species, individuals always differ slightly due to genetic mutations.
3 - Sometimes these differences give individuals a better chance of survival.
4 - If so, those individuals are more likely to reproduce and pass their advantage.
5 - Over generations, the advantages spread through the whole species
6 - and continue to be refined into adaptations.

Q3.
Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

Trees
Animals
Correct answer: Temperature
Bacteria

Q4.
How do the long nights in the taiga affect plant growth?

Plants have more time to photosynthesise
Plants grow larger due to extended darkness
Correct answer: Plants grow slower and have a short growing season

Lesson appears in

UnitGeography / Tropical rainforest and taiga biomes

Edexcel BGeography

Show unit