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Tundra (Arctic and Alpine)
The tundra is one of the coldest biomes. Tundra's have low bio diversity along with a simple vegetation structure. There is a short growing season which results in a short reproduction season also. Most energy and nutrients are in the form of dead organic material.
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Locations Arctic Alpine Located at latitudes 55° to 70° North
The alpine tundra doesn’t have a set latitudes, this biomes location is dependent on the elevation of the land. Most alpine tundra biomes are located on the world’s great mountain ranges like, Andes, Himalayas, Alps, and Pyrenees. The arctic tundra is mainly found around the north pole, or northern regions on the world.
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Climatogram Degrees (Fahrenheit) Percipitation (inches) Month
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Plants & Adaptations (Arctic)
All of the plants are adapted to sweeping winds and disturbances of the soil. Plants are short and group together to resist the cold temperatures and are protected by the snow during winter. These plants can also carry out photosynthesis at low temperatures and low light intensities. Since the growing season is short most of the plants reproduce by budding. Salix (Rock Willow) – During the growing season the Salix creates a pesticide to keep bugs from eating it. Arctostaphylos (Bearberry) – Leather type leaves for cold weather resistance. Saxifrage – The saxifrage has a well-developed underground root system for storing carbohydrates, so that they can respond quickly to the cold weather of the tundra. Ledum (Swamp Tea) – Plant has adapted a poison to keep animals away from eating it. Cladonia (Caribou Moss) – Has the ability to survive long periods of time without water and can also go dormant when water and sunlight is not present. Bearberry
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Animals & Adaptations (Arctic)
Animals are adapted to handle long, cold winters and to breed and raise young quickly in the summer. Animals such as mammals and birds also have additional insulation from fat. Many animals hibernate during the winter because food is not abundant. Another alternative is to migrate south in the winter, like birds do. Reptiles and amphibians are few or absent because of the extremely cold temperatures. Because of constant immigration and emigration, the population continually oscillates. Lagopus (White Fox) - The White fox has adapted to its environment by growing long fur that changes color with the season for camouflage. Ursus (Grizzly Bear) – The Grizzly Bear has layers of fat to protect it from the cold and it also has the ability to hibernate. Rangifer (Caribou) - Their large, spreading hooves support the animal in snow in the winter and marshy tundra in the summer. Nyctea (Snowy Owl) – When protecting the nest they use a loud barking and quacking sound. The female owls have a loud wail. This repels predators from trying to eat their young and eggs. Ovibos (Musk Ox) - The musk ox can live in the harsh conditions of the arctic tundra because its 24" long hair and woolly undercoat ward off frost and provide insulation.
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Feeding Relationships
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Species Spotlight Endangered Invasive
At one time the snowy owl was hunted and trapped by man, but they are now protected and. There is a threat of man inhabiting the remote areas where these birds live. This can become a problem, because it will limit the owls space to live and deplete its prey. Non-native invasive species. These animals overuse crops and damage their environments, leading some governments to champion a reduction of their population.
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Human Impact The melting of the permafrost as a result of global warming could radically change the landscape and what species are able to live there. Ozone depletion at the North and South Poles means stronger ultraviolet rays that will harm the tundra. Air pollution can cause smog clouds that contaminate lichen, a significant food source for many animals. Exploration of oil, gas, and minerals and construction of pipelines and roads can cause physical disturbances and habitat fragmentation. Oil spills can kill wildlife and significantly damage tundra ecosystems. Buildings and roads put heat and pressure on the permafrost, causing it to melt. Invasive species push aside native vegetation and reduce diversity of plant cover. To eliminate these impacts humans could create a way to safely extract oil, gas, and minerals to where there weren’t spills or environmental impacts, or we could limit the amount of these resources we take so therefor if a spill does occur the consequences are miniscule. Also we could try to keep our city areas away from areas that need permafrost to continue to be a stable community.
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Sources Whitney S Tundra, Retrieved from on 10/8/2014 2000, The tundra biome, Retrieved from on 10/8/2014 Tundra Threats, Retrieved from on 10/8/2014 The Tundra, Retrieved from on 10/8/2014
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