Arctic Tundra Ecosystems Sci:TECH

Arctic Tundra Environments

Summer

Characteristics of the Arctic Tundra

The Arctic Tundra is an area with wide open spaces. It only has two seasons: short, cool summers, temperatures only reach up to 12° C (54° F) & long, cold winters dropping below -34° C (-30° F). This environment receives very little rainfall, collecting only 25 milliters per year .The land underneath the soil is partially frozen and parts of the ocean is ice. Almost no trees grow due to the short summers. Animals often have blubber or thick fur that is filled with air for insulation. Many animals have small ears to save body heat.

Winter

Consumers of the Arctic Tundra

Snowy owl

Reindeer

Musk ox

Ptarmigan

Arctic hare

Arctic fox

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Lichen

Plants are short and group together to resist the cold temperatures and are protected by the snow during the winter.

Moss

Roots do NOT grow deep because of the permafrost soil and little rainfall. Instead they grow wide and shallow.

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