Final answer:
The coniferous forest biome is home to evergreen coniferous trees well-adapted to the cold and dry conditions with needle-like leaves and acidic soils. Animals have adapted with insulation for survival in the harsh climate. This biome features distinct flora and fauna due to its unique environmental challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coniferous forest biome, also known as the boreal forest or taiga, is characterized by its cold, dry winters and short, cool, wet summers. The dominant vegetation in this biome are evergreen coniferous trees such as pines, spruce, and fir, which are well-adapted to the cold and dry conditions. These trees have several adaptations, including needle-shaped leaves that aid in photosynthesis during the cold months and allow them to grow faster than deciduous trees. The acidic soils with little available nitrogen in these forests also favor evergreens that retain their nitrogen-rich needles year-round.
Animals in the coniferous forest have their own adaptations to survive the harsh conditions. Some of these animals include mammals such as rodents, rabbits, minks, raccoons, bears, and moose, many of which rely on insulation through fur and fat. Birds are mostly present in the summer, and insects thrive despite the cold. Unlike warmer biomes, there are no amphibians or reptiles in the coniferous forest biome.