Planet Zork

Alpine Tundra Biome

Habitat of Choice

Photo taken from http://www.ecosystema.ru/08nature/world/l-ab/08.jpg

Abiotic Factors

• Long winters with temperatures that fall to below 56°C

• Short summers with temperature averaging 10°C• Strong winds of more than 97 km/h• Low precipitation of around 100cm annually• Permafrost which melts only in summer, leaving

waterlogged soil• Slow nutrient cycling• Low evaporation rate

Food Chain

Producer

A specimen of the species known as Acroflora acantholipse, in full bloom.

Adaptive features that enable it to survive the tundra:-Dish-shaped flowers that direct heat to the plant-Small thin leaves that minimize water and heat loss-Spread-out roots with root hairs to absorb maximum water-Dark green leaves to retain heat-Ability to release heat to melt snow for water

Adaptive features that enable it to fulfill its role in the food chain:-Spiky leaves-Grows in large numbers-Seeds are blown by the strong winds of the tundra-Grows on the mountains where it is hard to reach

Primary Consumer

Frontal view of Mus Velox

Close-up of pawSide view of Mus Velox

Adaptive features that enable it to fulfill its role in the food chain:-Sharp teeth to tear at plant for food-Claws to climb mountains to reach plants-Three eyes to watch for predators-Fast and agile to escape predators

Adaptive features that enable it to survive the tundra:-Thick fur for retaining heat-Small ears to minimize heat loss-Padded feet to protect from cold-Layer of blubber to shield from cold

Secondary Consumer

A specimen of a 4-year-old Aves Vespertilio

The sharp talons The membrane structure of the wings

Aves Vespertilio’s third eye located on the back of its head

Adaptive features that enable it to fulfill its role in the food chain:-Sharp talons to grab and hold on to prey-Sharp beak to tear and rip at prey-Good eyesight and echolocation to find prey-Third eye for wider field of vision to locate prey-Membrane wings for greater range of movement when hunting

Adaptive features that enable it to survive the tundra:-Thick coat of fur over body to trap heat-Small ears to reduce heat loss-Special blood flow in legs that reduce heat loss by transferring heat around-Layer of fat to insulate from cold as well as for an energy source

Scavenger

Frontal view of the insectum fortis

Underside view of the insectum fortis

Adaptive features that enable it to fulfill its role in the food chain:-Crab-like arms to bring food to its mouth-Breed and gather in large numbers to decompose carcasses and other dead matter -Sharp teeth to consume dead matter-Ensures an efficient nutrient cycle through its quick work

Adaptive features that enable it to survive the tundra:-Generates its own heat-Exoskeleton acts as an insulator-Vacuum to make exoskeleton more effective at reducing the heat that escapes. -Legs are insulators which enable them to search for food even in extreme temperatures-Legs and arms can be withdrawn during sleep/rest to reduce the amount of energy needed to generate heat

Summary

• The producer provides its leaves as food for the primary consumer, which is the prey for the secondary consumer. When the producer, primary consumer and secondary consumer die, the scavenger clears the dead matter.

The End