What is taiga? Coniferous forests of the taiga: description, flora and fauna

The largest natural zone in Russia is the taiga. Coniferous forests can be confidently called "the lungs of the Earth," because it depends on them the state of air, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Here are concentrated rich timber reserves, mineral deposits, many of which are open to this day.

Location in Russia

A wide strip spreads in our country taiga. Coniferous forests occupy most of Siberia (Eastern, Western), the Urals, the Baikal region, the Far East and the Altai Mountains. The zone takes its beginning on the western border of Russia, it stretches to the coast of the Pacific Ocean - the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.

Coniferous forests of the taiga border on other climatic zones. In the north, they are adjacent to the tundra, in the west - with broad-leaved forests. In some cities of the country there is a crossing of the taiga with forest-steppe and mixed forests.

Location in Europe

Coniferous forests of the taiga cover not only Russia, but also some foreign states. Among them - the countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Canada. Throughout the world, taiga massifs occupy a vast territory and are considered the largest zone on the planet.

The extreme boundary of the biome on the south side is located on the island of Hokkaido (Japan). The northern side is bounded by Taimyr. This position explains the leading position of the taiga along the length of the remaining natural areas.

Climate

A large biome is located immediately in two climatic zones - temperate and subarctic. This explains the diversity of weather conditions in the taiga. A moderate climate provides a warm summer. The average temperature of the natural zone in the summer is 20 degrees above zero. Cold Arctic air affects sharp temperature changes and affects the taiga winters, the air here can be cooled to 45 degrees below zero. In addition, piercing winds are observed in all seasons.

Coniferous forests of the taiga are characterized by high humidity due to their location in the swampy terrain and low volatility. In summer, most of the precipitation falls in the form of small and heavy rains. In winter there is a lot of snow - the thickness of its layer is 50-80 centimeters, it does not melt for 6-7 months. In Siberia there is perennial frost.

Features

The largest, longest and richest natural zone is the taiga. Coniferous forests occupy fifteen million square kilometers of the Earth's terrestrial territory! The width of the zone in the European part is 800 kilometers, in Siberia - more than 2 thousand kilometers.

Formation of taiga forests began in the last era, before the onset and melting of glaciers. However, the detailed analysis and characteristics of the zone was received only in 1898 thanks to PN Krylov, who defined the concept of "taiga" and formulated its main characteristics.

Particularly rich in biome water bodies. Here the well-known Russian rivers - Volga, Lena, Kama, Northern Dvina and others - originate. Cross the taiga Yenisei and the Ob. In the coniferous forests are the largest Russian reservoirs - Bratskoe, Rybinsk, Kamskoye. In addition, there are many underground waters in the taiga, which explain the prevalence of swamps (especially in Northern Siberia and Canada). Due to the moderate climate and sufficient moisture, there is a rapid development of the plant world.

Taiga sub-zones

The natural zone is divided into three subzones, which differ in their climatic features, in the plant and animal world.

• North. Characterized by a cold climate. It's a harsh winter and a cool summer. Huge areas of land are occupied by swampy terrain. Forests are in most cases undersized, small fir trees and pines are observed.
• Average. It is characterized by moderation. The climate is temperate - warm summers, cold, but not frosty winters. A lot of bogs of different types. High humidity. Trees of the usual height, mostly spruce forests of blueberry.
• South . Here there is the most diverse animal and plant world, coniferous forests. Taiga has an admixture of broad-leaved and small-leaved trees. The climate is warm, hot in summer, which lasts for almost four months. Reduced swampiness.

Types of forests

Depending on the vegetation, there are several types of taiga. The main are light coniferous and dark coniferous forests. Along with the trees here there are meadows that have arisen on the site of forest data.

• Light coniferous type. It is mainly distributed in Siberia. Also found in other areas (the Urals, Canada). Located in a sharply continental climatic zone, characterized by numerous precipitation and moderate weather conditions. One of the most widespread tree species is the pine - light-loving representative of the taiga. Such forests are spacious and bright. Larch is another common species. The forests are even lighter than the pine forests. Crowns of trees are rare, therefore in such "thickets" a feeling of open terrain is created.
• Dark coniferous type is the most common in Northern Europe and mountain ranges (Alps, Altai Mountains, Carpathians). Its territory is located in a temperate and mountainous climate, characterized by high humidity. Fir and spruce predominate here, juniper, dark coniferous pine is more common.

Vegetable world

As early as the beginning of the 19th century, no one shared the natural zones, and their differences and features were not known. Fortunately, to date geography has been studied in more detail, and all the necessary information is available. Coniferous forest of the taiga - trees, plants, shrubs ... What is characteristic and interesting is the plant world of this zone?

In forests - a weakly or absent undergrowth, which is explained by the lack of light, especially in dark coniferous thickets. There is a monotony of moss - as a rule, here you can find only a green appearance. Grow bushes - currant, juniper, and shrubs - cranberries, blueberries.

The type of forest depends on climatic conditions. For the western side of the taiga, the predominance of European and Siberian spruce is characteristic. In the mountain areas spruce-fir forests sprout. To the east, there are accumulations of larch. The Okhotsk coast is rich in a variety of tree species. In addition to coniferous representatives, conceals the deciduous trees of the taiga. Mixed forests consist of aspen, alder, birch.

Fauna of the taiga

The fauna of coniferous forests of the taiga is diverse and unique. There are many diverse insects. Nowhere is there such an abundance of fur-bearing animals, including ermine, sable, hare, weasel. Climatic conditions are favorable for sedentary animals, but are unacceptable for cold-blooded creatures. In the taiga live only a few species of amphibians and reptiles. Their low numbers are associated with severe winter. The rest of the inhabitants have adapted to the cold seasons. Some of them fall into hibernation or anabiosis, while their vital activity slows down.

What animals live in coniferous forests? Taiga, where there are so many shelters for animals and an abundance of food, is inherent in the presence of predators such as lynx, brown bear, wolf, fox. Here live ungulates - roe deer, bison, elk, deer. On the branches of trees and under them live rodents - beavers, squirrels, mice, chipmunks.

Birds

More than 300 species of birds nest in forest thickets. A special variety is observed in the eastern taiga - there are wood grouses, hazel grouses, some varieties of owls and woodpeckers. Forests are characterized by high humidity and numerous water bodies, therefore waterfowl are very widespread here . Some representatives of coniferous spaces have to migrate in the winter to the south, where the conditions of existence are more favorable. Among them are Siberian thrush and forest songtail.

The man in the taiga

Human activity does not always favorably affect the state of nature. Numerous fires, caused by imprudence and frivolity of people, deforestation and mining, lead to a decrease in the number of forest animals.

Picking berries, mushrooms, nuts - typical activities, popular with the local population, which is known for the autumn taiga. Coniferous forests are the main supplier of wood resources. Here are the largest deposits of minerals (oil, gas, coal). Due to moist and fertile soil, agriculture is developed in the southern regions. It is common to breed animals and hunt wild animals.