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Year 10
Edexcel B

Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome

I can understand how plants and animals in the taiga are well adapted to the physical conditions.

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome

I can understand how plants and animals in the taiga are well adapted to the physical conditions.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The taiga is home to a variety of plants and animals.
  2. Animals are well adapted to the physical conditions in the taiga, for example, by being migratory.
  3. Plants are well adapted to the physical conditions in the taiga, for example, needles instead of leaves.

Keywords

  • Biodiversity - the variety of species found in a habitat

  • Adaptations - a feature or behaviour that helps an animal or plant survive in its environment

  • Habitats - the natural place where a plant or animal lives and grows

Common misconception

Animals and plants in the taiga struggle to survive due to extreme cold and lack specific adaptations.

Taiga species have key adaptations. Conifers have needle-shaped leaves with waxy coatings to reduce water loss. Animals like lynxes grow thick fur, and some hibernate or migrate to survive harsh winters. These adaptations ensure survival.


To help you plan your year 10 geography lesson on: Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

GIS tracks taiga adaptations by mapping species distribution, migration, and climate patterns. It shows how animals like caribou move seasonally and how conifers thrive in cold areas. Layering data on temperature, vegetation, and wildlife reveals adaptation patterns.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
Where is the Taiga biome primarily located?
Near the equator.
Correct answer: Between 50°N and 70°N latitudes, parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Between 60°S and 80°S latitudes, in Antarctica.
Between 10°N and 30°N latitudes, in South America.
Q2.
What is another name for the Taiga?
Tundra
Correct answer: Boreal forest
Tropical rainforest
Savanna
Q3.
Which of the following trees are most commonly found in the Taiga?
Deciduous trees
Broadleaf trees
Correct answer: Coniferous trees
Palm trees
Q4.
Which of the following animals is commonly found in the Taiga biome?
Kangaroo
Leopard
Correct answer: Moose
Q5.
What is the climate of the Taiga biome like?
Hot and dry
Mild with lots of rain
Correct answer: Cold with long winters and short summers
Warm and humid
Q6.
The Taiga biome is most commonly found in which region of the world?
Central Africa
Southeast Asia
Correct answer: Northern Europe, Canada, and Russia

4 Questions

Q1.
The Taiga biome (also called the boreal forest) has a low due its long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
Correct Answer: biodiversity
Q2.
How have Taiga plants adapted to the cold, harsh winters?
They grow large, broad leaves to absorb sunlight
Correct answer: They have needle-like leaves to reduce water loss and withstand snow
They have stems that swell to hold water
Q3.
What is an adaptation of Taiga animals during winter?
They grow extra limbs to move in the snow
Correct answer: They grow thicker fur or feathers to stay warm
Brightly coloured fur for camouflage
Q4.
Which animal in the Taiga biome is known for its ability to change colour in winter to blend with the snow?
Correct answer: Arctic fox
Brown bear
Gray wolf