Many animals reside in the cone-shaped coniferous trees of the taiga. American Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Snowshoe Rabbits, Moose, and the Gray Wolf are just some of the many animals that live in the taiga. These animals have special adaptations that help them survive in the harsh and cold weather of the taiga. For instance, many animals hibernate during the winter to keep warm. Some animals, like the ermine, have fur or feathers that change every season to help them camouflage. Many small animals live in the taiga too. Taiga is home to chipmunks, squirrels, and moles. The taiga is full of life.
Coniferous trees take root in the taiga. Coniferous trees, or evergreens, are trees with long thin waxy needles. The wax gives protection from freezing temperatures and from drying out. Evergreens don't lose their leaves during the winter. They start photosynthesis as soon as the weather gets warmer. The dark color of the needles allows them to absorb the sun’s heat and start photosynthesis early. Evergreens in the taiga tend to be thin and grow close together. This gives them protection in the cold and against strong winds. They are shaped like upside down cones to prevent branches from breaking under heavy snow. Some Evergreens include Pine, White Spruce, Hemlock, and Douglas Fir. There are also many plants such as the Sphagnum Moss, Club Moss, and Lichen. Other organisms such as the Twin Leaf, Wild Lily of the Valley, and Bracken Fern. Most of these plants grow near the coniferous trees. The Crowberry Bush, Blueberry Bush, and Raspberry Bush provide food for animals that live in the taiga.
