1. by: Kristina Pesce &Olivia Stephens
Tundra Biome
by: 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 Polar 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.

4. Specific Traits of the Alpine Tundra
Absolutely no trees can grow here because of the elevation being so high.
The growing season is only about 180 days
Is usually found at an altitude of 10,000 feet or higher.
Some tundra can even be found near the equator if the mountains are high enough
There are only warm blooded animals in the alpine tundra

5. 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.

6. General Latitude
The tundra stretches between the latitude known as the tree line, which is the farthest extent to which trees can grow, and the latitude where snow and ice cover becomes permanent, preventing plant growth.

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. Fauna
The fauna in the Alpine Tundra consists of pikas, marmots, mountain goats, sheep, elk, grouse like birds, springtails, beetles, grasshoppers, and butterflies.

10. Main Species
Caribou
Caribou Moss
Lichen

11. Main Species
Arctic Hare
Arctic Fox

12. 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.
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
The most common adaption is a thick layer of fur or feathers to hold the heat close to their bodies.
Some of the animals fur turns white during the winter to hide in the snow and protect them from predators.
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. Climotograph

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