Arctic tundra

Definition

The Arctic tundra is a cold, treeless biome characterized by permafrost, low temperatures, and a short growing season. This unique environment is home to specialized flora and fauna adapted to survive extreme conditions, playing an important role in global climate regulation and biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Arctic tundra has an average annual temperature of around -12°C to -6°C (10°F to 21°F), making it one of the coldest biomes on Earth.
2. The growing season in the Arctic tundra lasts only 50 to 60 days, during which time the surface layer of permafrost thaws enough to allow plants to grow.
3. Vegetation in the Arctic tundra mainly consists of mosses, lichens, low shrubs, and grasses, all adapted to the harsh climate.
4. Wildlife in this biome includes species such as caribou, arctic foxes, polar bears, and migratory birds that have developed specific adaptations for survival.
5. The Arctic tundra acts as a crucial carbon sink, storing vast amounts of carbon in its permafrost, which if released due to warming could accelerate climate change.

Review Questions

• What adaptations do plants and animals have to survive in the Arctic tundra?
  • Plants in the Arctic tundra have adapted by developing shallow root systems and growing close to the ground to resist cold winds and capture sunlight. Many are also perennial, enabling them to survive harsh winters. Animals have developed thick fur or blubber for insulation, while some species exhibit seasonal camouflage or migrate to find food sources during the colder months. These adaptations allow them to thrive despite extreme environmental conditions.
• Discuss the impact of climate change on the Arctic tundra ecosystem.
  • Climate change has profound effects on the Arctic tundra ecosystem, primarily through rising temperatures leading to permafrost thawing. As permafrost thaws, it releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases, further accelerating global warming. Additionally, altered weather patterns can affect plant growth cycles and animal migration patterns. These changes threaten biodiversity and can disrupt established ecological relationships within this delicate biome.
• Evaluate how human activities might affect the Arctic tundra and its role in global ecosystems.
  • Human activities such as oil extraction, mining, and increased shipping routes due to melting ice can significantly impact the Arctic tundra. These activities lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and disturbances that affect local wildlife populations. Moreover, as global warming continues, changes in this biome can disrupt its role as a carbon sink, potentially releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This could create a feedback loop that exacerbates climate change on a global scale.

Related terms

Permafrost: A permanently frozen layer of soil that lies just beneath the surface in polar regions, significantly influencing the ecology of the Arctic tundra.

Biomes: Large ecological areas on the Earth's surface, defined by their climate, vegetation, and wildlife, with the tundra being one of the major terrestrial biomes.

Climate Change: Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, which are particularly impactful in the Arctic tundra due to its sensitive ecosystem.