Boreal forest (taiga)

Introduction

The boreal forest or taiga is one of Earth's major biomes; that is, a geographically extensive ecosystem, structurally characterized by its dominant, mature vegetation. The boreal forest occurs at relatively high latitudes, mostly in the northern hemisphere, in regions with a moist climate and cold winters. It is positioned between the more northerly Arctic tundra and temperate forests to the south.

The boreal forest is dominated over most of its range by coniferous trees, especially species of spruce, pine, larch, and fir. However, some angiosperm trees are important there, especially species of aspen, birch, poplar, alder, and willow. Usually, particular stands of boreal forest are dominated by only one or several species of trees. The boreal forest region is also characterized by an extensive development of wetlands of various types, including numerous bogs, fens, and marshes, as well as open-water wetlands such as ponds, lakes, streams, and...