Biomes: Tundra and taiga

In Chapter 4 arctic and alpine tundra are described and identified within the northern and southern hemispheres. Characteristics of vegetation, water prevalence, animal life, conservation problems, decomposition, and nutrient cycling are reviewed. Definitions are then presented for taiga and its companion phrase “boreal forest.” Characteristics of vegetation, weather, fire, pest insects, and conservation problems round out the chapter. Illustrations include circumpolar maps of the North and South Poles and an illustration of the tundra/taiga interface.