The Taiga Biome Effects OF plants in an ecosystem

Not many plants can survive in the Taiga due to the cold conditions. These conditions make it hard for plant life to grow and thrive in this biome. The Taiga is in the northern part of the world (Canada, Russia, Alaska) and stretches through most of these countries.

The Taiga Biome is below freezing for half of the year, creating harsh living conditions for all living species. Most trees and plants that grow out there have a waxy substance around their leaves protecting them from the freezing temperatures surrounding them. This waxy like substance is like a coat for the plants.

Balsam Fir (Abies Balsamea)

The balsam fir is a small-medium tree, with a wide base and a narrow top. Instead of leaves this plant has needles which serve the same purpose as leaves. In winter months the tree is used as a main source of food for animals such as moose, caribou and deer. On occasion it is used for lumber.

The plants needles have a waxy substance around it making it more compatible to the cold conditions. Also, the thick bark helps keep the tree stable.

White Fir (Abies Concolor)

The white fir is a large sized tree, that can live for up to 300 years and can grow as big as 60-100 feet tall. The leaves are slightly flattened (looks like a needle) with a blue-green tint. The tree is mostly used for lumber, and for most occasions, used as a Christmas tree.

The tree has a waxy substance around each leaf, protecting it from the cold.

Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

The paper birch has a narrow bark that can peel into layers that resemble paper ("paper" birch). Typically these trees grow in clusters or groups at a time and grow as tall as 60-80 feet.

The tree has many thin layers and a strong base, helping the tree keep growing and thriving in the taiga.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana)

The eastern red cedar is a small tree that resembles an evergreen tree. The tree isn't actually a Cedar tree, but a Juniper. Typically the tree grows in a triangle shape to about 40 feet tall. The bark is very durable and although the eastern red cedar isn't very tall it can live for a very long time.

The tree has a waxy substance around the leaves, making it more taiga friendly.

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