tundra biome by: amber thibault climate strong, drying winds increase the coolness of the drastic...
TRANSCRIPT
Climate Strong, drying winds increase
the coolness of the drastic tundra temperatures
Water is unavailable during most of the year
Average winter temperature: -34˚ C
Average summer temperature: 12˚ C
Average overall temperature: -16˚ C
-35-30-25-20-15-10
-505
1015
Temperatures inCelsius
SummerMonthsWinterMonthsAverage
Precipitation
The tundra gets an annual precipitation of 15 centimeters. That’s not much compared to the rainforest that gets 90 centimeters.
Permafrost
Permafrost is a permanent layer of ice. This layer is temporarily melted in the summer months for a short 6-10 week growing season.
LocationThe tundra biome is found somewhere between 60° and 75° latitude, mostly around the Arctic coast of
North America and Eurasia.
http://questgarden.com/47/43/8/070313183408/images/tundra_location_map001.gif
Plants of the Tundra Not many plants can survive the harsh climate of the tundra Most tundra plants survive by growing low to the ground They grow between rocks to protect themselves from the wind Some plants survive because they possess the ability to reproduce
quickly, which is helpful during a short growing season Some plants, such as lichens, are able to grow on bare rock
Arctic Hare Their small shape conserves
heat, this explains their unusually small ears
They have a thick coat of fur White in the winter, blue-gray
in the spring protects them from predators
Dig snow shelters and huddle together to keep warm
Arctic Wolf
Arctic wolves have thick foot pads on their feet to protect them from the wet and cold
Arctic wolves have extremely good hearing. They can hear another wolf from 5 miles away. This intense hearing helps when your hunting scarce prey.
Polar Bear Giant, partially webbed paws
with long, non-retractable nails help the polar bear dig in snow and ice to create dens it uses for shelter
These paws are also used as paddles, with which polar bears use to swim for many hours
Use glossy guard hairs, a thick undercoat, and a layer of fat to protect themselves from the cold
Musk Oxen Musk oxen have two thick
layers of fur. One is used to trap heat and
insulate the body The second is to protect the
musk ox from wind and water Large, hard hooves allow the
musk ox to break ice and drink water during the winter months
Human Effects on Tundra
But recently, people have obtained modernized tools and technology to make better use of the land. This technology has a big impact on tundra ecosystem. The slightest disturbance can drastically alter the environment and make it unlivable for plants and animals.
Oil drilling is an example of a harmful technology. If there was an oil spill an entire ecosystem could be eradicated.
Modern tools make it easier to eliminate a species from a certain area without even realizing it.
In history, humans have had a very small impact on the tundra.
Picture Sources http://www.hsu.edu/uploadedImages/Biology/reindeer%20lichen200.jpg http://www.ontariowildflower.com/images/cottongrassfl.jpg http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/Arctic%20Willow.jpg http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/images/062300/ALPINEAZALEA.jpg http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/sharemed/targets/images/pho/t641/T641370A.jpg http://static.flickr.com/91/277528345_b197317dcd_o.jpg http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/data/media/17/oil-rig-with-crew-boats_3218.jpg http://www.oceanadventures.co.uk/images/Arctic-Hare---Q.jpg http://www.lagomania.com/img/arctichare.jpg http://www.ngsprints.co.uk/images/M/701856.jpg http://www.allbestpictures.com/wallpapers/animals_and_wildlife/image/arctic_wolf,_canada.jpg http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/arctic-wolf.jpg http://www.nd.edu/~bioclub/polar_bear.jpg http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_01/bear071207_468x555.jpg http://www.alaskaone.com/wildlife/images/muskox.jpg http://www.donsmaps.com/clickphotos/muskox.jpg http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m259/youchestonyoufuckyouwave/Musk_Ox.png
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