by: Phil Cohen Adapted from Kristina Pesce &Olivia Stephens Tundra Biome by: Phil Cohen Adapted from Kristina Pesce &Olivia Stephens

There are two different types of Tundra Biomes: The Arctic/Polar Tundra: Found near the north and south polar regions. The Alpine Tundra: Found on mountainsides and high-elevation plateaus Both types of tundra are not restricted to any specific region or zone

Specific Traits of the Tundra Found in the Northern Hemisphere Makes up 5.5% of the earth’s total surface Lies north of 70 degrees North latitude – some tundra is found on islands as far north as 55 degrees South Is very dry and gets up to 4-20 inches of precipitation each year, but mostly in the from of snow. Much of it is compared to a desert because it gets less than 10 inches of rain a year. Its very flat with small rolling hills

Tundra Climate The Tundra has freezing winter temperatures and cool, short summers. In terms of precipitation, drought-like conditions are the usual. There is a layer of frozen soil called permafrost which is frozen all year round. Summer temperatures remain below 10 degrees Celsius and in the winter temperatures can drop below -56 degrees Celsius.

Tundra Climate

Tundra Summer

Flora The Polar tundra is characterized by low shrubs, sedges, reindeer mosses, liverworts, grasses, lichen, arctic willow, and caribou moss. The Alpine tundra is characterized by tussock grasses, dwarf trees, small-leafed shrubs, and heaths.

Fauna The fauna in the Polar Tundra consists of lemmings, voles, caribou, arctic hares, squirrels, arctic foxes, wolves, polar bears, ravens, caribou, snow buntings, falcons, loons, sandpipers, tems, snow birds, and various species of gulls, mosquitoes, flies, moths, grasshoppers, black flies, and arctic bumble bees, cod, flatfish, salmon, and trout.

Main Species Caribou Caribou Moss Lichen

Main Species Arctic Hare Arctic Fox

Flora Adaptations Adapted their life cycles to be completed in a single summer season. Some grow very low to the ground to protect from frost damage. Some grow horizontally and send up many branches to keep away from drying winds and still absorb as much sunlight as possible.

Flora Adaptations They group together to resist cold temperatures and be protected form the snow. Many of them develop thick, leathery or waxy leaves that prevent moisture loss. Some grow hairs along the stems, leaves, and flowers to hold heat and protect against the wind.

Fauna Adaptations Many large animals have compact body shapes that help them retain more heat than if their bodies were long and thin. Many animals avoid the cold by migrating and some animals build up a layer of fat over the summer, which provide energy and food while also keeping them warm during the harsh winters. Some may burrow into the snow to avoid harsh, frigid tempertures and winds.

Map of Tundra Distribution Arctic/Polar Tundra Map Alpine Tundra Map

Food Web

Bibliography http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tundra_animal_page.htm http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tundra_plant_page.htm http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/alpine.htm http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.php