Alpine and Taiga Biomes Answers

Both the alpine and taiga biomes have two distinct seasons. The alpine biome is found on five of the seven continents, while the taiga biome is found on three. The alpine biome gets an average of 12 inches of precipitation annually and the taiga biome gets an average of 12-33 inches annually. Both the alpine and taiga biomes have cold winters with temperatures below freezing and warmer summers. The taiga biome has a greater average temperature range in the summer than does the alpine biome.

The soil in the alpine biome is rocky and nutrient poor. Plants that live in the alpine biome must be suited to the nutrient poor soil.

In order for camouflage to be successful in the taiga, it must account for summer and winter conditions. In the winter, white fur is effective camouflage. In the summer it is not.

Animals in the taiga have several adaptations that help them survive the cold winter. Some animals migrate to warmer climates during the winter, returning to the taiga when the temperature is warmer. Other animals hibernate during the winter, slowing their metabolisms and using less energy. Animals of the taiga tend to have insulating fur or feathers that prevent heat loss.

The alpine biome is at a higher elevation. Having higher levels of hemoglobin allows the animals of the alpine biome to absorb more oxygen.