Question

Describe the coniferous forest of the taiga region and mention its uses

Answer 1

Coniferous forest, vegetation composed primarily of cone-bearing needle-leaved or scale-leaved evergreen trees, found in areas that have long winters and moderate to high annual precipitation. The northern Eurasian coniferous forest is called the taiga, or the boreal forest. Both terms are used to describe the entire circumpolar coniferous forest with its many lakes, bogs, and rivers. Coniferous forests also cover mountains in many parts of the world. Pines, spruces, firs, and larchesare the dominant trees in coniferous forests. They are similar in shape and height and often form a nearly uniform stand with a layer of low shrubs or herbs beneath. Mosses, liverworts, and lichens cover the forest floor.

The light-coloured, usually acidic soils of coniferous forests are called podzols (podsols) and have a compacted humus layer, known as mor, which contains many fungi. These soils are low in mineralcontent, organic material, and number of invertebrates such as earthworms.