THE TUNDRA Ainsley Holloman Ashly Bretz Nikki Bryce Period 8 February 2, 2010

What is the Tundra? Coldest of all the biomes Noted for its frost-molded landscapes, low temperatures, little precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing season

Arctic Tundra: the Conditions Cold, desert-like conditions Has low shrubs, sedges, Reindeer mosses, Liverworts, and grasses 400 varieties of flowers

Closer Look: Reindeer Mosses Named in according to the source of food for reindeer and caribou Help form new soil, stabilize eroding sand, and create habitat for other plants and animals Native Americans relied on this as a survival food in hard times

Arctic Tundra: Animal Life Has herbivores, carnivores, migratory birds, insects, and fish ▫Includes Lemmings, Caribou, Wolves, Polar Bears, Ravens, Falcons, Flies, Moths, Cod, Salmon, etc. ▫All adapted to handle long, cold winters and raise their young quickly in the summer

Alpine Tundra: the Conditions Located on the mountains at high altitude where trees cannot grow Soil is well drained unlike the Arctic; the plants are similar to the Arctics including: ▫Tussock Grasses, Dwarf Trees, Small- Leafed Shrubs, and Heaths

Alpine Tundra: Animal Life Animals include mammals, birds, and insects ▫Include Marmots, Mountain Goats, Grouse-like Birds, Spring Tails, Beetles, etc. ▫All are well adapted

Closer Look: Marmots Large round squirrel Eats many types of grasses, berries, mosses, flowers, etc. Lives in burrows and hibernate through the winter ▫Highly social; use loud whistles to communicate with one another