The tundra biome is an ecosystem situated near the North Pole in the Arctic Circle.
There are three types of tundra: arctic tundra, alpine tundra and Antarctic tundra. It is noted for its frostmolded landscapes, extremely low temperatures, little precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons.
The winters are extremely cold with temperatures typically below 34°C. The summers last only about two months and the temperatures are still very cold ranging from 3° to 12° C.
Plants adaptations:
Only a thin layer of soil, called the active layer, thaws and refreezes each year. This makes shallow root systems a necessity and prevents larger plants such as trees from growing in the Arctic. (The cold climate and short growing season also prevent tree growth. Trees need a certain amount of days
above 50 degrees F, 10 degrees C, to complete their annual growth cycle.)
• Most of the plants are small, grow close together and close to the ground. This protects them from the cold temperatures and the strong winds.
• Some flowering plants have fuzzy coverings on the stems, leaves and buds to provide protection from the wind. Some have woolly seed covers.
• Lichens grow in mats on the ground and on rocks across the Arctic. Lichens provide an important food source for caribou in the winter.
• Many Arctic species can grow under a layer of snow, and virtually all polar plants are able to photosynthesize in extremely cold temperatures.
• During the short polar summer, plants use the long hours of sunlight to quickly develop and produce flowers and seeds.
• Flowers of some plants are cupshaped and direct the sun’s rays toward the center of the flower. Darkcolored plants absorb more of the sun’s energy.
• In addition, many species are perennials, growing and blooming during the summer, dying back in the winter, and returning the following spring from their rootstock.
This allows the plants to direct less energy into seed production. Some species do not produce seeds at all, reproducing asexually through root growth.
• Small leaves help the plants retain moisture.
Animal Adaptations:
• The animals in these regions are usually white or light colored, e.g., polar bear, penguin. This adaptation helps them in maintaining their body temperature, and in camouflaging.
• These animals can store fat in their body as they eat a lot during the summer.
• The stored fat can be consumed during the winter months because the animals hibernate for months, i.e., go into a state of inactivity, during severe winters.
• In hibernation, their metabolic activity is reduced to a great extent. In this state, their heartbeat, breathing rate and temperature become very low.
• Furred soles of the feet of polar bears protect them from cold and prevent them from slipping.
• The small animals burrow down into the snow. The snow traps the air, and it becomes an excellent insulator.
There are three types of tundra: arctic tundra, alpine tundra and Antarctic tundra. It is noted for its frostmolded landscapes, extremely low temperatures, little precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons.
The winters are extremely cold with temperatures typically below 34°C. The summers last only about two months and the temperatures are still very cold ranging from 3° to 12° C.
Plants adaptations:
Only a thin layer of soil, called the active layer, thaws and refreezes each year. This makes shallow root systems a necessity and prevents larger plants such as trees from growing in the Arctic. (The cold climate and short growing season also prevent tree growth. Trees need a certain amount of days
above 50 degrees F, 10 degrees C, to complete their annual growth cycle.)
• Most of the plants are small, grow close together and close to the ground. This protects them from the cold temperatures and the strong winds.
• Some flowering plants have fuzzy coverings on the stems, leaves and buds to provide protection from the wind. Some have woolly seed covers.
• Lichens grow in mats on the ground and on rocks across the Arctic. Lichens provide an important food source for caribou in the winter.
• Many Arctic species can grow under a layer of snow, and virtually all polar plants are able to photosynthesize in extremely cold temperatures.
• During the short polar summer, plants use the long hours of sunlight to quickly develop and produce flowers and seeds.
• Flowers of some plants are cupshaped and direct the sun’s rays toward the center of the flower. Darkcolored plants absorb more of the sun’s energy.
• In addition, many species are perennials, growing and blooming during the summer, dying back in the winter, and returning the following spring from their rootstock.
This allows the plants to direct less energy into seed production. Some species do not produce seeds at all, reproducing asexually through root growth.
• Small leaves help the plants retain moisture.
Animal Adaptations:
• The animals in these regions are usually white or light colored, e.g., polar bear, penguin. This adaptation helps them in maintaining their body temperature, and in camouflaging.
• These animals can store fat in their body as they eat a lot during the summer.
• The stored fat can be consumed during the winter months because the animals hibernate for months, i.e., go into a state of inactivity, during severe winters.
• In hibernation, their metabolic activity is reduced to a great extent. In this state, their heartbeat, breathing rate and temperature become very low.
• Furred soles of the feet of polar bears protect them from cold and prevent them from slipping.
• The small animals burrow down into the snow. The snow traps the air, and it becomes an excellent insulator.
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