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Which three vegetation zones make up the taiga biome?
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Taiga
Boreal forest, Alaska, U.S., dominated by spruce trees (Picea).
The taiga biome is composed of three roughly parallel vegetation zones:1
- Closed-canopy forest: Located in the southernmost portion of the taiga, this zone features the greatest species richness, the warmest soils, the highest productivity, and the longest growing season.1
- Lichen woodland: Situated north of the closed-canopy forest, this zone consists of sparse forest or woodland where tree crowns do not form a closed canopy. The ground cover is significantly composed of lichen mats and tundralike vegetation.1
- Forest-tundra: Found along the northern edge of tree growth (the tree line), this zone forms a complex mosaic of tundra and patches of trees.1