Arctic Tundra

Definition

The Arctic tundra is a cold, treeless biome characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and a layer of permanently frozen subsoil known as permafrost. This unique ecosystem supports specially adapted flora and fauna, including mosses, lichens, low shrubs, and animals like caribou and arctic foxes, making it an essential component of Arctic ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Arctic tundra covers approximately 1.5% of Earth's land surface and is primarily located in northern Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and parts of Russia.
2. Plants in the tundra have adapted to survive extreme cold and limited sunlight, often growing close to the ground to avoid harsh winds and conserve heat.
3. The growing season in the Arctic tundra is extremely short, typically lasting only 50 to 60 days during summer when temperatures rise slightly above freezing.
4. Wildlife in the tundra has developed various survival strategies; for example, many species have thick fur or blubber for insulation against the cold.
5. Climate change poses significant threats to the Arctic tundra, causing permafrost to thaw and disrupting the delicate balance of this fragile ecosystem.

Review Questions

• How do plants in the Arctic tundra adapt to their harsh environment?
  • Plants in the Arctic tundra adapt to their harsh environment through several unique strategies. They typically have shallow root systems that allow them to access moisture from melting snow. Many plants grow close to the ground to avoid strong winds and conserve warmth. Additionally, they have developed features such as hairy leaves or waxy coatings to reduce water loss and protect against cold temperatures.
• Discuss the role of permafrost in the Arctic tundra ecosystem and its implications for biodiversity.
  • Permafrost plays a critical role in shaping the Arctic tundra ecosystem. It acts as a barrier that limits root growth for many plants, which can lead to low biodiversity. However, it also stores carbon that has been locked away for centuries. When permafrost thaws due to climate change, it can release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, further impacting biodiversity by altering habitats and threatening species that rely on stable conditions.
• Evaluate how climate change impacts the delicate balance of the Arctic tundra ecosystem.
  • Climate change significantly impacts the Arctic tundra ecosystem by increasing temperatures and causing permafrost thawing. This leads to altered plant communities as some species struggle to survive while others may thrive. As habitats change, wildlife must adapt or migrate to find suitable living conditions. The release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost also exacerbates climate change, creating a feedback loop that threatens not only the tundra but global climate stability.

Related terms

Permafrost: A thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, found in polar regions and significant in the structure and function of the tundra ecosystem.

Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, which in the case of the Arctic tundra, includes unique adaptations to survive extreme conditions.

Migration: The seasonal movement of animals from one region to another, often seen in the Arctic tundra as species travel to find food and suitable breeding grounds.