Terrestrial biomes Tundra

Tundra Located in northern arctic regions, usually at about 60° north latitude or higher

Tundra Here, winter is too cold and dry to permit the growth of trees. Permafrost – deeper layers of soil that are permanently frozen through-out the year.

Tundra Topsoil is very thin; in the summer, when it thaws, the tundra landscape becomes quite moist and spongy and is dotted with bogs. These wet areas are ideal breeding grounds for enormous numbers of swarming insects, such as mosquitoes and black flies.

Plants of the Tundra Mosses and lichens, which can grow without soil, cover vast areas of rocks in the tundra. The soil is thin so plants have wide, shallow roots to help anchor them against the icy winds. Most plants, such as campion and gentian, are short. Growing close to the ground keeps the plants out of the wind and helps them absorb heat from the sunlit soil during the brief summer.

Animals of the Tundra Migratory birds fly to the tundra to breed in the summer. Food is abundant in the form of plants, mollusks, worms, and especially insects. Caribou migrate throughout the tundra in search of food and water. Many animals burrow underground during the winter, but are still active.

Animals of the Tundra Many animals that live in the tundra year-round, like arctic foxes, lose their brown fur and grow white fur that camouflages them with the winter snow. Summer Coat Arctic Fox Winter Coat Summer Coat Arctic Hare Winter Coat

Threats to the Tundra The tundra is a very fragile biome because it’s food chains are so simple that they are easily disrupted. Conditions are so extreme that land is easily damaged and slow to recover. Oil exploration, extraction, and transport has disrupted the habitats of the plants and animals in many parts of the tundra. Pollution caused by spills or leaks of oil and other toxic materials may also poison food and water sources.

Tundra Now, it’s time to fill out the climatogram in your packet!