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The tundra is located at the top of the world, near the North Pole. This enormous biome is extremely uniform in appearance and covers a fifth of the earth's surface.

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What are the Native Flora and Fauna of the Tundra?

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What are the Native Flora and Fauna of the Tundra?

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'Tundra' means treeless, therefore most of the plants in the tundra are low growing plants. Examples of these are Arctic Moss, Arctic Willow, Caribou Moss, Labrador Tea, Arctic Poppy, Cotton Grass, Lichens and Moss. Plants in the Tundra have had to adapt in a variety of ways. They grow close together, low to the ground and they remain small. Many plants have adapted to having a wax type of fuzzy and hairy coating on them which helps to shield them from the cold and the wind. This coating also helps them to trap in heat and moisture to protect the plants seeds and allows for reproduction.

Animals have many adaptations to survive in this harsh environment. Animals need shelter and insulation in the Tundra. The animals here tend to have thicker and warmer feathers and fur. Many of them have larger bodies and shorter arms, legs and tails which helps them retain their heat better and prevent heat loss. Many of the birds of the tundra have two coats of feathers to help keep them warm. Many animals of the Tundra have feet that are
lined with fur to help keep them warm. Some of the animals of the Tundra (bears, marmot, arctic squirrels) will hibernate for the winter and others will burrow (lemmings, ermine). Many of the insects of the Tundra will spend their entire life buried in the soil, rocks or plants which acts as a shelter for them.

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The soil in the tundra is referred to as 'permafrost' as it frozen for a large majority of the year. The soil is very low in nutrients and is part of the reason for the lack of vegetation in the tundra. As well as this, since the soil is frozen, plants aren't able to grow their roots deep into the ground providing for the lack of trees in the Tundra.

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How have human actions affected the Tundra?

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How have human actions affected the Tundra?

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The melting of the permafrost as a result of global warming could radically change the landscape and what species are able to live there.

Ozone depletion at the North and South Poles means stronger ultraviolet rays that will harm the tundra.

Air pollution can cause smog clouds that contaminate lichen, a significant food source for many animals.

Exploration of oil, gas, and minerals and construction of pipelines and roads can cause physical disturbances and habitat fragmentation.

Oil spills can kill wildlife and significantly damage tundra ecosystems.

Buildings and roads put heat and pressure on the permafrost, causing it to melt.

Invasive species push aside native vegetation and reduce diversity of plant cover.

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The tundra has two distinct seasons: a long winter and a short summer. Being so far north, the tundra has long nights in the winter and long days in the summer.

The winter lasts around 8 months and is extremely cold. In the middle of winter, the sun may not rise for weeks. The tundra is frozen and often covered with snow during the winter and will reach temperatures of -50 degrees C.

The summer is shorter and is marked by the other extreme of the sun not setting. In the middle of summer, the sun will be up for 24 hours. During the summer the temperatures may reach 50 degrees F causing the snow to melt in areas and wetlands to form.

RAINFALL
In the Tundra all year round, the average annual rainfall is 15-25cm. This is due to the harsh and cold climate of the Tundra. The rain freezes and just becomes ice or snow.

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Are there any solutions to reduce depletion of the Tundra?

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Are there any solutions to reduce depletion of the Tundra?

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Switch to alternative energy uses to minimize human-made global warming.

Establish protected areas and park reserves to restrict human influence.

Limit road construction, mining activities, and the building of pipelines in tundra habitat.

Limit tourism and respect local cultures.