Interesting Facts about the Taiga

• The taiga is prone to wildfires. Because of this, many trees have adapted to this by growing thick bark, which can protect the tree from a mild fire.
• Because of cold temperatures, decomposition is slow in the taiga. Dead vegetation will pile up on the forest floor, making a sponge-like covering.
• Since decomposition is slow, the soil is thin, and lacking in nutrients.
• Trees grow taller where the taiga is warmer (so things can decay) or by a stream, where the water can carry nutrients to the tree.
• The world's oldest trees can be found in the taiga. The bristlecone pines in California are a prime example. One of them is 4,600 years old!
• The trunks of the conifer trees are used to produce paper.
• The taiga has fewer plant and animals species than most other biomes.
• The taiga covers 11% of the earth.
• The Cree Indians have lived in the North American Taiga forest for centuries.