TundraJON MAYES

What Is The Tundra?

Northern Biome

Dominated by:

Mosses

Lichens

Dwarf Willows

Low-Moderate Precipitation

Very Short Growing Season

Covers approximately 1/5 of land

“Treeless”

Climate

Cold Average Temperature: less than 5 degree Celsius

Precipitation exceeds evaporation

Precipitation 15-25 cm per year

Normally snow

Summer – Brief 3-12 degrees Celsius on average

Periods of almost 24 hour daylight

Soggy

World Distribution Map

Permafrost

Unique soil structure

Layer of year-round frozen soil

Soil above may thaw in summer

Prevents deep burrowing

Prevents deep root systems

When water saturates upper surface: Bogs/ponds form

Consists mostly of gravel and finer materials

Animals

Caribou/Reindeer

Considered indicator species

Lemming

Arctic Hare

Polar Bear

Arctic Fox

Snowy Owl

Musk Ox

Animals

Musk OX Snowy Owl

Animals

Arctic Fox Polar Bear

Animal Adaptations

Breed and raise young in summer

Hibernate/sleep during worst part of winter

Many migratory species Others need to change what they eat depending on season

Additional insulation from fat

Thicker coats

Shorter/smaller to reduce surface area

Plants

Lichens

Willows

Sedges

Grasses

Mosses

Fireweed

Variety of low-growing shrubs

Plants

Polytrichum Moss Fireweed

Plants

Growing season up to 60 days

Adapt to environment by: Grow shorter

Grouping together

Use minimal amount of energy

Photosynthesize at low temperature/light intensity

No deep root systems

Most plants reproduce by budding

Hairy stem

Darker pigments

Threats to the Tundra

Global Warming Permafrost is filled with dead plant material

As it warms, carbon dioxide is released

Accelerates global warming

Gas/Oil Development Destroys the ecosystem

More people been moving to tundra New towns/roads

Interrupts many migration and feeding patterns

Tundra