Scribd
Upload
61 views1 page

Adaptations Taiga

Evergreen trees have several physical adaptations that allow them to survive in the cold taiga climate. These include their needle-like leaves which reduce water loss and damage from freezing, as well as their conical shape which causes snow to slide off branches rather than accumulating weight. Their dark green needles absorb sunlight year-round, allowing photosynthesis to begin quickly once temperatures warm. By keeping their leaves through winter, evergreens save energy for growth rather than regenerating leaves each spring.

Uploaded by

Anupa Ghose
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
61 views1 page

Adaptations Taiga

Evergreen trees have several physical adaptations that allow them to survive in the cold taiga climate. These include their needle-like leaves which reduce water loss and damage from freezing, as well as their conical shape which causes snow to slide off branches rather than accumulating weight. Their dark green needles absorb sunlight year-round, allowing photosynthesis to begin quickly once temperatures warm. By keeping their leaves through winter, evergreens save energy for growth rather than regenerating leaves each spring.

Uploaded by

Anupa Ghose
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Most animals migrate to warmer climates once the cold weather begins.

Some animals have adapted to life in the taiga by hibernating when temperatures drop. Other animals have adapted to the extreme cold temperatures by producing a layer of insulating feathers or fur to protect them from the cold. In some instances, the adaptation of a seasonal change in color of feathers or fur protects the animal from its predators. The ermine, a small mammal, is a good example of this adaptation. Its dark brown summer coat changes to white in the winter. This adaptation helps the ermine blend into its surroundings and makes it more difficult for the ermine's predators to spot them. Evergreens use a wide variety of physical adaptations. Some of these adaptations include their shape, leaf type, root system, and color. Their name, evergreen, describes an important adaptation. They are always--or ever green. Because they don't drop their leaves when temperatures cool, they don't have to regenerate them in the spring. Growing new leaves takes a lot of energy. Plants get their energy from the soil and from the Sun. Soil is a source of nutrients. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis to take place in the plant. The taiga soil doesn't contain many nutrients, and the Sun usually remains low in the sky. These two factors limit the amount of energy available to the tree. By keeping their leaves, the evergreens are able to use that limited energy for structural growth rather than producing leaves. Although the taiga has moderately high precipitation, the ground freezes during the winter months and plant roots are unable to get water. The adaptation from broadleaf to narrow needle-like structures limits water loss through transpiration. Evergreen needles do not contain very much sap. This limits the risk of needle damage from freezing temperatures. The needles do, however, contain a chemical that repels animals that would eat the needles. The dark green color of the needles absorbs the sunlight, and since the needles are always present, once temperature start to get warm, photosynthesis quickly begins. The conical shape of the evergreens allows the snow to slide off the branches rather than pile up. If the snow can't pile up on the branches, there is less risk of broken branches due to the weight of the snow.

You might also like