As well as a low plant diversity, the harsh climate of the Taiga also limits the number of animal species that can survive within it. However, certain species of animals have adapted in order to withstand these conditions.
Many creatures have evolved to have thick layers of fur or feathers to protect them from the cold. In certain species, the color of this coat can change depending on the season. For example, the color of the ermines (pictured above) fur is brown during the summer, but turns to a clear white during the winter, allowing it to blend into the snowy landscape, protecting it from predators.
Because of the lack of diverse plant life, the population of animals is not very high. In order to keep from starving, many animals hybernate during the winter, such as the black bear.
