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Threats to the taiga from commercial development
I can explain ways in which the taiga is threatened by commercial development.
Lesson 12 of 16
New
New
- Year 10
- Edexcel B
Threats to the taiga from commercial development
I can explain ways in which the taiga is threatened by commercial development.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The taiga is increasingly threatened by commercial development.
- Threats include logging, pulp and paper production, fossil fuel extraction, mining and HEP development.
- An example of threat to the taiga from development is the commercial exploitation of tar sands in Alberta, Canada.
Keywords
Biodiversity - a measure of how many different species live in an ecosystem
Threat - a natural or human-made factor that poses a risk to the environment
Climate change - long-term changes in temperature, weather patterns and atmospheric conditions resulting from human activities like burning fossil fuels
Common misconception
The main threats to the taiga come from the direct damage done to forests by the logging industry.
While the logging industry does directly damage taiga forests, indirect threats from warming taiga climates are also a major threat to the taiga and taiga biodiversity.
Recap with students what factors make the taiga biome unique and vulnerable to development, for example slow rates of decomposition, poor soil nutrients. slow tree growth.
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
6 Questions
Q1.What is another name for the Taiga biome?
What is another name for the Taiga biome?
Tundra
Tropical rainforest
Savanna
Q2.Which of the following trees are most commonly found in the Taiga biome?
Which of the following trees are most commonly found in the Taiga biome?
Deciduous trees
Broadleaf trees
Palm trees
Q3.Which of the following animals is commonly found in the Taiga?
Which of the following animals is commonly found in the Taiga?
Kangaroo
Polar bear
Leopard
Q4.What is the climate of the Taiga biome?
What is the climate of the Taiga biome?
Hot and dry
Mild with lots of rain
Warm and humid
Q5.Which of the following is a significant environmental concern for the Taiga?
Which of the following is a significant environmental concern for the Taiga?
Desertification
Soil erosion from flooding
Overgrazing by livestock
Q6.The Taiga is most commonly found in which region of the world?
The Taiga is most commonly found in which region of the world?
Central Africa
Southeast Asia
South America
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a direct threat to the taiga biome?
What is a direct threat to the taiga biome?
Climate change
Acid rain
Global warming
Q2.Which of the following is an indirect threat to the taiga?
Which of the following is an indirect threat to the taiga?
Illegal hunting
Deforestation for farmland
Mining
Q3.How does oil and gas extraction threaten the taiga?
How does oil and gas extraction threaten the taiga?
It creates more oxygen for trees
It improves soil fertility
It increases biodiversity
Q4.Why is the taiga vulnerable to forest fires?
Why is the taiga vulnerable to forest fires?
The trees are too wet to burn
The cold temperatures prevent fires
The soil prevents fires from spreading
