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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Tundra Climate

6. Tundra Summer

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Main Species
Caribou
Caribou Moss
Lichen

10. Main Species
Arctic Hare
Arctic Fox

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

15. Food Web

16. Bibliography http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tundra_animal_page.htm