BITS ‘N’ PIECES

Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):

A man asked the Prophet (S.A.W), “O Allah’s Apostle! What kind of charity is the best?” He replied. “To give in charity when you are healthy and greedy hoping to be wealthy and afraid of becoming poor.

Don’t delay giving in charity till the time when you are on the death bed when you say, ‘Give so much to so-and-so and so much to so-and so,’ and at that time the property is not yours but it belongs to so-and-so (i.e. your inheritors).”

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 51, Number 11

DID YOU KNOW?

The taiga is the world’s largest biome.

The taiga, also known as the boreal forest, is the largest terrestrial biome on Earth. A biome is a distinct geographical region with specific climate, vegetation, and animal life. It consists of a biological community that has formed in response to its physical environment and regional climate. Biomes may span more than one continent. A biome encompasses multiple ecosystems within its boundaries. The Taiga houses 30 percent of the world’s forest cover, 11 percent of the Earth’s landmass and stretches from Scotland to Newfoundland, via Russia and Canada! This vast biome is characterized by its cold climate, coniferous forests, and unique biodiversity.

The taiga experiences long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Temperatures can vary widely, from well below freezing in winter to mild in summer. These harsh environmental conditions shape the vegetation and wildlife that inhabit the taiga.

Coniferous trees, such as spruce, fir and pine, dominate the taiga landscape. These trees are adapted to the cold climate, with needle-like leaves that reduce water loss and allow them to photosynthesize even in low temperatures. The dense canopy of the taiga trees helps to insulate the forest floor, creating a relatively stable microclimate.

The taiga is home to a variety of wildlife species adapted to its cold, snowy conditions. Mammals such as moose, reindeer, wolves, and bears are common in the taiga. Many of these animals have thick fur or other adaptations to help them survive the cold winters. Bird species such as owls, woodpeckers, and grouse are also found in the taiga, taking advantage of the abundance of coniferous trees for nesting and roosting.

In addition to its rich biodiversity, the taiga plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle. The dense forests of the taiga store large amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, human activities such as logging and mining pose a threat to the taiga and its biodiversity. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this important biome and the species that depend on it for survival.

Overall, the taiga is a unique and important biome that plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem. Its cold climate, coniferous forests, and rich biodiversity make it a fascinating and important area of study for scientists and conservationists alike.