Flora and Fauna
The flora and fauna of the arctic tundra is controlled by cold temperatures and the northern latitude, which restricts the growing of many plants. The arctic tundra is famous for permafrost. Permafrost is a permanent layer of soil which remains below freezing point throughout the whole year. The soil has little space; therefore making it impossible for deep-rooting plants and trees to grow.
Most of the biome’s flora consists of low shrubs, lichen, moss and sedges. There are over 1,700 species of plants. The plants that grow in the tundra are extremely resilient to the cold weather. Their roots grow close to the surface of the hard soil, so that they can suck up the small amount of water that falls on the ground. In summer, when the ice and top layer of soil thaws, many plants are given the opportunity to grow and reproduce. The melted ice produces pools of water – lakes, bogs, marshes and swamps - which attracts many insects and animals such as birds to the biome. The arctic tundra is home to many animals that are resilient to the cold weather. More than 100 species of birds travel to the tundra to feed on the wide range of insects and to reproduce, as the arctic tundra is a safe place to do so. Other animals that live in the tundra include polar bears, Arctic foxes, caribous (North American reindeers), penguins (southern arctic areas), grey wolves, snow geese and musk oxen. All these animals have adapted to the cold weather, with extra layers of fat, which helps them keep warm. Many animals and plants that live in the harsh parts of the tundra are being threatened. They are highly vulnerable to environmental stresses, caused by reduced snow covering and warmer temperatures which are brought on by global warming. |
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