The boreal forest (or taiga) circles the Northern Hemisphere just south of the tundra biome, stretching across vast expanses of Europe, Asia, and North America. The plants and animals of these forests have adapted to very long, cold winters and a very short (but sun-filled) growing season. As can be seen in this panorama, most of the trees in the boreal forest are conifers, such as spruces, firs, and larches.