Taiga

Located only in the northern Hemisphere on every large landmass, the northern coniferous forests, or taiga, usually have a cover of snow in the winter with the northern regions having more severe weather. These weather patterns cause plants and animals in the north to be smaller, than those in the southern taiga. Most of the rainfall occurs in the summer. Since the cold winter air of these regions holds very little water; the annual precipitation is usually less than 30 centimeters. Although there is little rainfall, due to the cold temperatures evaporation, is limited and lakes and marshes often form. In many areas permafrost lies below the soil surface and helps to prevent water seepage.

Although the climate is harsh in many areas and the soil is acidic, trees and plants are able to survive. The most common species of trees are coniferous, such as the pines and firs, but many especially in the more southern areas of taiga are deciduous such as the popluar, birch and willows. The coniferous trees are at an advantage to the deciduous trees since they are able to conduct photosynthesis year round, and can store large amounts of water to survive the dry season. At its furthest northern limits the taiga grades into the tundra.