About trees in the taiga. Description and features of the natural zone of the taiga The European part of the taiga what trees grow

Each climatic zone of our planet is unique and beautiful in its own way. The harsh beauty of the taiga does not leave indifferent everyone who finds himself among the moist aroma of the needles of centuries-old spruces, pines and larches.

Taiga can not be loved, but it is impossible not to admire it. And now we are mentally transported to the zone of dense taiga forests.

Location of the taiga zone

The taiga stretches in a wide strip across the northern part of Eurasia, capturing the territory of Canada, Alaska and some North American states. This natural zone occupies 27% forest areas on our planet. Its northern part borders on the south of the forest-tundra zone.

In the central part of Russia, its southern borders run north of Moscow, and as it moves east, the taiga zone sinks further south. In Siberia, it extends all the way to Altai.

Taiga vegetation

The nature of vegetation is usually determined by climatic conditions and the composition of the soil of the area.

The climate of the taiga is characterized by very cold winters and relatively warm, but short summer. IN Eastern Siberia in winter, the thermometer often drops to -50 ° C, while the most low temperature registered in this climatic zone - minus 68 °C. Summer precipitation is not too abundant - from 200 to 750 mm per year, in some places 1000 mm. The high humidity of the region and permafrost prevent their evaporation, so the moisture stagnates and the soil becomes waterlogged. For this reason, the taiga zone is so rich in lakes and swamps.

For the taiga landscape, the most typical podzolic soils and slightly whitish podzols with a low humus content.

And only in the Far East, the soil has a brown color and a high content of humus. Humus is that component of the soil that contains the substances necessary for plant nutrition.

These circumstances have left their mark on the vegetation of this region. So spartan conditions withstand, mostly coniferous trees.

Broad-leaved species lack heat, light, and nutrients for your development. And only small-leaved ones - aspen, alder and birch occasionally delight the eye of a traveler who has wandered into the wilderness of the taiga.

tree types

Coniferous giants are usually divided into light coniferous and dark coniferous. The first category prefers good lighting, but is very frost-resistant. and are not so picky about lighting, but do not tolerate severe frosts and heat. They grow in the European part of the taiga, while light-loving and pine settled in the Asian region. Unlike other conifers, larch sheds its bright, soft needles for the winter, like deciduous trees.

For a day, they are able to add as much as 3 kg in weight. Getting ready for hibernation(anabiosis), the bears diligently gain weight and very carefully equip their winter "apartments". They look for dry places, dig dens in them and cover them with moss, dry leaves and needles. Passing in search of food hundreds of kilometers a year, they rush to their dens for the winter, where the females give birth to their cubs.

A typical representative of the animal world of the taiga are. Their weight can reach 80 kg. Developed intellect, strong paws and powerful fangs allow them to overtake their victims, which can even surpass them in size. Wolves live in pairs, and only in autumn they gather in packs of 25-30 individuals.

Lynxes, martens, wolverines, sables, and ermines also live in taiga forests.

In the forest thickets Far East found shelter and Their number in nature is due to human intrusion into their habitat and predatory extermination by poachers. These magnificent felines are included in and work is underway to preserve them.

The bird world of the taiga is also diverse. Permanently live there, capercaillie and hazel grouse. Many species of birds prefer to wait out the cold winters in warmer climes.

land development

Taiga is called the guardian of the health of the Earth, her green lungs. And this is quite understandable. Huge green tracts of forests allow you to maintain lower layers atmosphere sufficient concentration of oxygen.

Endless taiga massifs are, first of all, huge stocks of timber Very good quality. Deposits and gas have been discovered and developed here. The taiga zone is rich in reserves of graphite and mica.

The population of the taiga has long been a hunter of furs, fishing, picking nuts and berries.

Agricultural industries are gradually conquering more and more new spaces, moving from the south of the taiga to its northern regions. The presence of water meadows and forest pastures create good conditions for livestock.

To study and protect this unique region, a number of national parks and reserves, including the Barguzinsky Reserve (located on the right bank).

However, the selfless work of employees who, on duty and the call of their hearts, strive to preserve this unique edge, can't give desired results without the help of the local population. Only their joint efforts will enable future generations to enjoy the gifts of this land and admire its beauties.

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Taiga forests, or boreal forests, are a strip of coniferous forests that surround Earth in high northern latitudes from about 50° to 70° northern latitude. The taiga forests form a circumpolar ecoregion that stretches across Canada, from Alaska to Newfoundland and through Northern Europe, Scandinavia to Eastern Russia. Taiga forests are the world's largest terrestrial biome and make up over one quarter of all forest land on Earth.

• American hare (Lepus americanus) - inhabits boreal forests North America. American hare prefer areas with dense vegetation. They eat different plant food, including buds, twigs, bark and leaves of trees. Belyaks have large legs with thick hair on the feet, which do not allow them to fall into the snow.
• (Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest of all tiger subspecies. Amur tigers live in coniferous, deciduous and boreal forests in the Russian Far East. Their range extends along the border of China and North Korea and the western border of the Sea of ​​Japan.

(lynx lynx) - representatives of the cat family that inhabit the forests of the northern hemisphere. Lynx feed small mammals such as rabbits, hares, rodents, as well as birds and insects.

• The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is a member of the deer family that lives in the forests and tundra of North America, Siberia and Europe. These are herbivores that feed on the leaves of willow, birch, as well as mushrooms, herbs and lichens.
• Grouse (Falcipennis falcipennis) is a rare bird from the grouse family that lives in the taiga and closed boreal forests of North America. Berries, mushrooms and insects form the basis of the Siberian Grouse diet. Grouse are prey for foxes, hawks, owls and coyotes.

It can be confidently called the “lungs of the Earth”, because the state of the air, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide depend on them. Rich stocks of timber, mineral deposits are concentrated here, many of which are being discovered to this day.

Location in Russia

The taiga is spreading in a wide strip in our country. coniferous forests occupy most of Siberia (Eastern, Western), the Urals, the Baikal region, the Far East and mountain Altai. The zone originates on western border Russia, it stretches to the Pacific coast - the Sea of ​​Japan and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.

The coniferous forests of the taiga border on other climatic zones. In the north, they coexist with the tundra, in the west - with. In some cities of the country, there is an intersection of taiga with forest-steppe and mixed forests.

Location in Europe

The coniferous forests of the taiga cover not only Russia, but also some foreign countries. Among them are the countries of Canada. Throughout the world, taiga massifs occupy a vast territory and are considered the largest zone on the planet.

The extreme border of the biome with south side located on the island of Hokkaido (Japan). The northern side is bounded by Taimyr. This location explains the leading position of the taiga in terms of length among other natural zones.

Climate

A large biome is located in two climatic zones- temperate and subarctic. This explains the diversity of weather conditions in the taiga. The temperate climate provides warm summer. average temperature natural area V summer time year is 20 degrees above zero. The cold arctic air affects the temperature fluctuations and affects the taiga winters, the air here can be cooled to 45 degrees below zero. In addition, piercing winds are observed at all times of the year.

Coniferous forests of the taiga are different high humidity due to its location in a swampy area and low volatility. In summer, most of the precipitation falls in the form of light and heavy rains. In winter there is a lot of snow - the thickness of its layer is 50-80 centimeters, it does not melt for 6-7 months. Permafrost is observed in Siberia.

Peculiarities

The largest, longest and richest natural zone is the taiga. Coniferous forests occupy fifteen million square kilometers land area of ​​the earth! The width of the zone in the European part is 800 kilometers, in Siberia - more than 2 thousand kilometers.

The formation of taiga forests began in the past era, before the onset and, however, detailed analysis and the zone received its characteristics only in 1898 thanks to P. N. Krylov, who defined the concept of "taiga" and formulated its main characteristics.

The biome is especially rich in water bodies. This is where the famous Russian rivers- Volga, Lena, Kama, Northern Dvina and others. They cross the taiga of the Yenisei and the Ob. In coniferous forests there are the largest Russian reservoirs - Bratskoye, Rybinsk, Kamskoye. In addition, in the taiga there are many groundwater, which explains the predominance of swamps (especially in Northern Siberia and Canada). Thanks to temperate climate and sufficient moisture, there is a rapid development of the plant world.

Taiga subzones

The natural zone is divided into three subzones, which differ climatic features, flora and fauna.

• Northern. Characterized by a cold climate. Here harsh winter and cool summers. Huge areas of land are occupied by swampy terrain. Forests in most cases are stunted, medium-sized spruces and pines are observed.
• Average. Differs in moderation. The climate is temperate - warm summers, cold but not frosty winters. Many swamps various types. High humidity. Trees of normal height, mainly blueberry spruce forests sprout.
• South. Here you can see the most diverse animal and vegetable world, coniferous forests. The taiga has an admixture of broad-leaved and small-leaved tree species. The climate is warm, characterized by hot summers, which last for almost four months. Reduced soreness.

Forest types

Depending on the vegetation, several types of taiga are distinguished. The main ones are light coniferous and dark coniferous forests. Along with trees, there are meadows that arose on the site of deforestation.

• Light coniferous type. It is mainly distributed in Siberia. Also found in other areas (Urals, Canada). Located in sharply continental climate zone characterized by abundant rainfall and moderate weather conditions. One of the most common types of trees is pine - a photophilous representative of the taiga. Such forests are spacious and bright. Larch is another common species. Forests are even lighter than pine forests. The crowns of trees are rare, so in such "thickets" a feeling of open area is created.
• dark coniferous type- most common in Northern Europe and mountain ranges (Alps, Altai mountains, Karpaty). Its territory is located in a temperate and mountainous climate, characterized by high humidity. Fir and spruce predominate here, juniper and dark coniferous pine are less common.

Vegetable world

Even at the beginning of the 19th century, no one divided the natural zones, and their differences and features were not known. Fortunately, today geography has been studied in more detail, and is available to everyone. necessary information. The coniferous forest of the taiga - trees, plants, shrubs ... What is the characteristic and interesting flora of this zone?

In the forests - weakly expressed or absent undergrowth, which is explained by insufficient amount of light, especially in dark coniferous thickets. There is a monotony of moss - as a rule, only a green species can be found here. Shrubs grow - currants, junipers, and shrubs - lingonberries, blueberries.

The type of forest depends on climatic conditions. The western side of the taiga is characterized by the dominance of European and Siberian spruce. Grows in mountainous areas spruce-fir forests. Clusters of larches stretch to the east. The Okhotsk coast is rich in a variety of tree species. In addition to coniferous representatives, the taiga is also fraught with deciduous trees. consist of aspen, alder, birch.

Animal world of the taiga

Animal world coniferous forests of the taiga is diverse and unique. A wide variety of insects live here. Nowhere is there such a number of fur-bearing animals, including ermine, sable, hare, weasel. Climatic conditions favorable to sedentary animals, but unacceptable to cold-blooded creatures. Only a few species of amphibians and reptiles live in the taiga. Their low numbers are associated with severe winters. The rest of the inhabitants have adapted to the cold seasons. Some of them fall into hibernation or anabiosis, while their vital activity slows down.

What animals live in coniferous forests? The taiga, where there are so many shelters for animals and an abundance of food, is characterized by the presence of such predators as lynx, Brown bear, wolf, fox. Ungulates live here - roe deer, bison, elk, deer. On the branches of trees and under them live rodents - beavers, squirrels, mice, chipmunks.

Birds

More than 300 species of birds nest in the forest thickets. Particular diversity is observed in the eastern taiga - capercaillie, hazel grouse, some varieties of owls and woodpeckers live here. Forests are distinguished by high humidity and numerous reservoirs, therefore they are especially widespread here. Some representatives of coniferous expanses have to migrate to the south in winter, where living conditions are more favorable. Among them are the Siberian thrush and the forest warbler.

man in taiga

Human activities do not always favorably affect the state of nature. Numerous fires caused by the negligence and thoughtlessness of people, deforestation and mining lead to a decrease in the number of forest wildlife.

Picking berries, mushrooms, nuts are typical activities popular with the local population for which the autumn taiga is known. Coniferous forests are the main supplier of timber resources. Here are also largest deposits minerals (oil, gas, coal). With hydrated and fertile soil agriculture is developed in the southern regions. Breeding of animals and hunting for wild animals is widespread.

Eastern Siberia is a taiga region, where the taiga zone extends to the borders with Mongolia, occupying an area of ​​almost 5 million square kilometers, covers the watersheds of the Siberian plateau, running up the steep slopes of mountain ranges and through narrow gorges, approaching the barren peaks of the East Siberian mountains.

There are almost 4 thousand square meters. km is occupied by forests, the total wood reserves of which are simply huge!

Vegetation of the East Siberian taiga

The vegetation and soil of the taiga zone of Eastern Siberia develop under more favorable conditions than in the tundra and forest-tundra zones.

A variety of trees grow here: cedars, pines, firs and spruces, where aspen, alder and birch are occasionally mixed with them.

On sandy soils, taiga larches form like pine forests; on moist soils, damp larch taiga develops, which, at constant humidity, gives way to moss and sphagnum taiga.

In drier places, lingonberry larch taiga is widespread (especially in the easternmost regions).

Of the other indigenous types, birch forests are quite widespread here (in the southern part). The closer the taiga comes to Pacific Ocean, the more often fragrant poplar comes across among the described trees.

But what is the most important and basic tree in Eastern Siberia?

Right! It's larch!

Two of the three taiga trees necessarily belong to this incredibly amazing genus of conifers: Siberian larch and Dahurian larch (Larix dahurica).

The latter grows both on loams, and on sands, and on peat bogs, freely growing on permafrost soils, since permafrost is a common occurrence in this part of the East Siberian taiga.

True, for an inexperienced person who visits the taiga forest on short visits or very rarely, it is difficult to distinguish one type of larch from another.

Siberians adore larch for everything: for the unusual smell of newly born needles, for its beauty, for the hot fire in the stove, for the strength of fences and houses.

Now furniture in houses is made of pressed shavings and sawdust, rarely anyone undertakes to make it from larch.

However, earlier in Siberia, beds were made only from larch, as over time it becomes stronger than stone. And yet, by folk omens, bugs are afraid of larch smell, just as moths are afraid of cedar.

The nature, location, occupations and life of the population of Eastern Siberia bear a more or less clearly expressed imprint of the influence of the taiga.

Climate and landscape of the East Siberian taiga

Such a special and unique, in every sense, Eastern Siberian taiga begins, where the climate is very severe and sharply continental.

Precipitation here is less than in the western regions, the thickness of the snow cover is small, and permafrost is almost ubiquitous. Summer in the taiga is not hot, but not particularly cold, though short, and winter lasts a long time with heavy snowfalls and long frosts.

The terrain is more rugged than that of its neighbors.

There are few swamps and are found mainly in the lowlands and on flat interfluves.

The East Siberian taiga is located on the territory of the basins of the two largest Siberian rivers - and.

Fauna of the East Siberian taiga

The fauna of Eastern Siberia is much richer than it is inhabited by such main large representatives of it as: wolf, wolverine, brown bear, fox, sable, reindeer, Siberian roe deer, wild boars, lynxes, hares, squirrels, chipmunks.

In the East Siberian rivers, there is simply a huge amount various kinds fish.

Of the birds: capercaillie, black grouse, hazel grouse, nutcrackers and many birds, such as the Black Stork, Black Crane, Peregrine Falcon and Golden Eagle and others, are listed in the Red Book.

The East Siberian taiga presents great opportunities for long-term survival, and the abundance of dry wood makes it easier to build a camp, and there will be no problems with fuel for a fire.

Happy travels and excursions!

Taiga occupies vast territories of our country, forests stretch from west to east. Trees growing in taiga conditions must withstand the climate of this zone. Summer here is quite warm, but very short. winter period protracted, characterized by severe frosts, an abundance of snow.

The taiga is dominated by evergreen conifers, their share is about 78%, these trees perfectly withstand long cold weather. Hardwood species (oak, ash, beech) occupy approximately 5% of the forest area, softwood species (birch, linden) - 17%.

Experts distinguish the following types of evergreen taiga:

• light coniferous forests. They are predominantly represented by pine and larch;
• dark coniferous forests. Spruce, fir, cedar grow here. As the name suggests, given type taiga is very gloomy. sunlight almost does not penetrate through the crowns of trees, so there are almost no shrubs and grasses near the surface of the earth. The root surface is usually covered with mosses and lichens.

Deciduous species are found mainly near rivers and reservoirs; here you can find mountain ash, alder, birch, and aspen. As for the southern part of the country, maple, linden, oak, as well as currant and raspberry bushes are more typical for it.

In the light coniferous taiga deciduous trees the second tier is also expressed, these are various shrubs - honeysuckle, viburnum, euonymus, etc. In some areas there are climbing species (actinidia, magnolia vine, etc.) wrapping around tree trunks.

Knowing which trees grow in the taiga, people have learned to use them in their lives. The main representative of the dark coniferous taiga is, of course, spruce. This is a long-lived tree, its age can be 500-600 years. Spruce wood is widely used for making paper.

Siberian fir is also important for humans. Its needles are used to obtain a valuable oil that has medicinal properties. In addition, fir wood is suitable for making a variety of souvenirs, crafts, and interior decorations.

Pine wood, widely used in the construction industry, is characterized by the greatest value. In addition, resin is extracted from this tree, which is used in the chemical industry.

The greatest resistance to frost of all taiga trees larch has, it is able to withstand a drop in temperature environment up to -70 0 C. This tree sheds its needles for the winter, in the spring, with the beginning of sap flow, it reappears. Larch wood has a dense structure, it does not absorb much moisture. The material is used in shipbuilding, and railway sleepers are also made from it.