New
New
Lesson 10 of 16
- Edexcel B
Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome
I can explain how plants and animals in the taiga are well adapted to the physical conditions.
Lesson 10 of 16
New
New
- Edexcel B
Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome
I can explain how plants and animals in the taiga are well adapted to the physical conditions.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The taiga is home to a variety of plants and animals.
- Animals are well adapted to the physical conditions in the taiga, for example, by being migratory.
- Plants are well adapted to the physical conditions in the taiga, for example, needles instead of leaves.
Keywords
Biodiversity - the variety of species found in a habitat
Adaptations - a feature or behaviour that helps an animal or plant survive in its environment
Habitats - the natural place where a plant or animal lives and grows
Common misconception
The taiga winter is too cold for animals to survive, so they all migrate to warmer regions.
Although some animal and bird species do migrate in winter, other animals are adapted to survive the cold, dark taiga winter. For example, some animals have thick fur, some hibernate.
A BBC Teach video on "Coniferous forests - Finland" provides a useful introduction to some specific plant and animal adaptations in the taiga / boreal forest.
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
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Where is the Taiga biome primarily located?
Where is the Taiga biome primarily located?
Near the equator.
Between 60°S and 80°S latitudes, in Antarctica.
Between 10°N and 30°N latitudes, in South America.
Q2.What is another name for the Taiga?
What is another name for the Taiga?
Tundra
Tropical rainforest
Savanna
Q3.Which of the following trees are most commonly found in the Taiga?
Which of the following trees are most commonly found in the Taiga?
Deciduous trees
Broadleaf trees
Palm trees
Q4.Which of the following animals is commonly found in the Taiga biome?
Which of the following animals is commonly found in the Taiga biome?
Kangaroo
Leopard
Q5.What is the climate of the Taiga biome like?
What is the climate of the Taiga biome like?
Hot and dry
Mild with lots of rain
Warm and humid
Q6.The Taiga biome is most commonly found in which region of the world?
The Taiga biome is most commonly found in which region of the world?
Central Africa
Southeast Asia
Assessment exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.The Taiga biome (also called the boreal forest) has a low due its long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
The Taiga biome (also called the boreal forest) has a low due its long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
Q2.How have Taiga plants adapted to the cold, harsh winters?
How have Taiga plants adapted to the cold, harsh winters?
They grow large, broad leaves to absorb sunlight
They have stems that swell to hold water
Q3.What is an adaptation of Taiga animals during winter?
What is an adaptation of Taiga animals during winter?
They grow extra limbs to move in the snow
Brightly coloured fur for camouflage
Q4.Which animal in the Taiga biome is known for its ability to change colour in winter to blend with the snow?
Which animal in the Taiga biome is known for its ability to change colour in winter to blend with the snow?
Brown bear
Gray wolf