Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in the taiga biome
I can explain that, compared to tropical rainforests, the taiga has low productivity, a lower rate of nutrient cycling and supports lower levels of biodiversity.
- Year 10
- Edexcel B
Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in the taiga biome
I can explain that, compared to tropical rainforests, the taiga has low productivity, a lower rate of nutrient cycling and supports lower levels of biodiversity.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The taiga has a lower rate of productivity than tropical rainforests and less active nutrient cycling.
- The taiga support much lower levels of biodiversity than tropical rainforests.
Keywords
Biodiversity - a measure of how many different species live in an ecosystem
Nutrients - chemical substances found in all biotic features which are important for survival
Interdependent - when two or more biotic features like plants or animals depend or rely on each other to survive
Common misconception
Because the taiga is covered with trees it must have rich soils from all the leaf litter that accumulates.
Taiga soil is nutrient-poor due to slow decomposition in cold temperatures. This means nutrients stay locked inside the trees and litter, rather than entering the soil. As a result, the soil is often thin, acidic and nutrient-poor.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is the taiga biome mainly found?
Q2.What type of trees dominate the taiga biome?
Q3.What is the climate like in the taiga?
Q4.How do trees in the taiga adapt to cold conditions?
Q5.What kind of animals live in the taiga?
Q6.Why is deforestation a major threat to the taiga?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their definitions.
Q2.The taiga has a __________ biodiversity compared to the tropical rainforest.
Q3.The taiga has a low biodiversity for several reasons:
