4. Russia Taiga and Tundra

What type of forest is the taiga?

• Deciduous

• Coniferous

• Tropical

• Rainforest

What is the temperature range in the taiga?

• -10°C to 10°C

• -40°C to 0°C

• -20°C to 18°C

• 0°C to 25°C

True or False
The taiga is the largest biome in Russia.

• True

• False

The soil in the taiga often contains __________, a layer of permanently frozen ground.

Match the feature to its description:

• 
  A wet, spongy bog covered in moss

• Muskeg

• Trees with needles and cones

• Coniferous

• Permanently frozen soil

• Permafrost

Why do many birds migrate away from the taiga in winter?

• Too much rain

• Lack of food

• High temperatures

• Forest fires

Finish the sentences to explain how trees are adapted to the taiga.

Coniferous trees are evergreen, so there is no need to renew leaves during the ​ (a)   .

Trees have long shallow roots as the soils tend to be thin, acidic and poor in nutrients. In addition, the roots give ​ (b)   .

Downward sloping and springy branches ​ (c)    and provide protection for the trees against the strong winds.

Shallow roots of trees allows the trees to use the water as soon as the ​ (d)   .

The coniferous trees have long thin needles which ​ (e)   .

• short growing season
• anchorage against strong winds
• allow snow to slide off
• surface snow melts in spring
• reduce moisture loss

What does the word “tundra” mean?

• Frozen forest

• Treeless plain

• Cold desert

• Snowy land

What is the typical annual precipitation in the tundra?

• 1000mm

• 500mm

• Less than 250mm

• 750mm

Tundra plants grow low to the ground to​ (a)  

• avoid wind.
• get more sunlight. 
• attract insects. 
• absorb more water.