Artic TundraBy: Lottie and Nate

ArcticTundra

Map

Characteristics• Northern Hemisphere, including North

Pole • Extremely cold climate• Low biodiversity• Short season of growth and reproduction• Limitation of drainage• Simple vegetation structure, no deep

roots

Climate• Average summer 37-54 F°• Average winter -30 F°• Rainfall totals 6-10 in/yr.

Seasonal InformationSummer is the best time to visit the Arctic Tundra. The temperatures are manageable and animals are out of hibernation. Summer is the main breeding season for arctic animals, so you can see baby animals.

Unique Features• Permafrost: underground soil that holds

captured water for 2+ years. – Prevents water from soaking into the ground

when snow melts during the summer marshes and ponds

– Usually 5 feet deep

Plant Species

• Low shrubs• 400 different varieties of flowers• Crustose and Foliuce lichen

Plant Adaptation• Plants have adapted to high winds and soil

disturbances– Plants group together– Short in height– Can carry out photosynthesis in low temperature

and low light intensities

Animal Species

• Herbivore– Lemmings, caribou, arctic hares

• Carnivore– Arctic foxes, wolves, polar bears

• Migratory Birds– Ravens, falcons, loons

• Insects– Arctic bumble bees

• Fish – Cod, flatfish, salmon, trout

Animal Adaptations • Animals have adapted to withstand cold

winters– Breed and raise young quickly in the summer– Additional fat insulation– Many animals migrate or hibernate during winter

Visit the Tundra!• Best season to visit is in the summer, many national parks

are closed during winter• Tours– Car, motorcycle, helicopter, snow mobile

• National parks offer great hiking trails– Over 20 National Parks in Alaska

Environmental Concerns

• Ice and glacier melt– Warming by .5 degrees each decade

Arctic Tundra