Tundra Biome

By: Amber Thibault

Climate Strong, drying winds increase

the coolness of the drastic tundra temperatures

Water is unavailable during most of the year

Average winter temperature: -34˚ C

Average summer temperature: 12˚ C

Average overall temperature: -16˚ C

-35-30-25-20-15-10

-505

1015

Temperatures inCelsius

SummerMonthsWinterMonthsAverage

Precipitation

The tundra gets an annual precipitation of 15 centimeters. That’s not much compared to the rainforest that gets 90 centimeters.

Permafrost

Permafrost is a permanent layer of ice. This layer is temporarily melted in the summer months for a short 6-10 week growing season.

LocationThe tundra biome is found somewhere between 60° and 75° latitude, mostly around the Arctic coast of

North America and Eurasia.

http://questgarden.com/47/43/8/070313183408/images/tundra_location_map001.gif

Plants of the Tundra

Plants of the Tundra Not many plants can survive the harsh climate of the tundra Most tundra plants survive by growing low to the ground They grow between rocks to protect themselves from the wind Some plants survive because they possess the ability to reproduce

quickly, which is helpful during a short growing season Some plants, such as lichens, are able to grow on bare rock

Animals of the Tundra

Arctic Hare Their small shape conserves

heat, this explains their unusually small ears

They have a thick coat of fur White in the winter, blue-gray

in the spring protects them from predators

Dig snow shelters and huddle together to keep warm

Arctic Wolf

Arctic wolves have thick foot pads on their feet to protect them from the wet and cold

Arctic wolves have extremely good hearing. They can hear another wolf from 5 miles away. This intense hearing helps when your hunting scarce prey.

Polar Bear Giant, partially webbed paws

with long, non-retractable nails help the polar bear dig in snow and ice to create dens it uses for shelter

These paws are also used as paddles, with which polar bears use to swim for many hours

Use glossy guard hairs, a thick undercoat, and a layer of fat to protect themselves from the cold

Musk Oxen Musk oxen have two thick

layers of fur. One is used to trap heat and

insulate the body The second is to protect the

musk ox from wind and water Large, hard hooves allow the

musk ox to break ice and drink water during the winter months

Human Effects on Tundra

But recently, people have obtained modernized tools and technology to make better use of the land. This technology has a big impact on tundra ecosystem. The slightest disturbance can drastically alter the environment and make it unlivable for plants and animals.

Oil drilling is an example of a harmful technology. If there was an oil spill an entire ecosystem could be eradicated.

Modern tools make it easier to eliminate a species from a certain area without even realizing it.

In history, humans have had a very small impact on the tundra.

Picture Sources http://www.hsu.edu/uploadedImages/Biology/reindeer%20lichen200.jpg http://www.ontariowildflower.com/images/cottongrassfl.jpg http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/Arctic%20Willow.jpg http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/images/062300/ALPINEAZALEA.jpg http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/sharemed/targets/images/pho/t641/T641370A.jpg http://static.flickr.com/91/277528345_b197317dcd_o.jpg http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/data/media/17/oil-rig-with-crew-boats_3218.jpg http://www.oceanadventures.co.uk/images/Arctic-Hare---Q.jpg http://www.lagomania.com/img/arctichare.jpg http://www.ngsprints.co.uk/images/M/701856.jpg http://www.allbestpictures.com/wallpapers/animals_and_wildlife/image/arctic_wolf,_canada.jpg http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/arctic-wolf.jpg http://www.nd.edu/~bioclub/polar_bear.jpg http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_01/bear071207_468x555.jpg http://www.alaskaone.com/wildlife/images/muskox.jpg http://www.donsmaps.com/clickphotos/muskox.jpg http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m259/youchestonyoufuckyouwave/Musk_Ox.png

Bibliography tundra climate. (2008). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved November 13, 2008, from

Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/608934/tundra-climate

Tundra. (2002). Missouri Botanical Garden: http://www.mbgnet.net/sets/tundra/index.htm The tundra biome. University of California Museum of Paleontology:

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.php The Tundra Biome:

http://library.thinkquest.org/6225/tundra.htm Tundra. (2008) University of Puget Sound:

http://www.ups.edu/x6113.xml Arctic Hare. (1996-2008). National Geographic Society:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/arctic-hare.html Arctic Tundra. (1997-2004). Wheeling Jesuit University:

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/tundraA.html Massicot, Paul. Animal Info. (1999-2006). Last modified: July 29, 2006:

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/carnivor/ursumari.htm Arctic Wolf. (2000). The Wild Ones: http://www.thewildones.org/SFC/Seana/cora.html The Tundra. Created by - SLW. Created - September 30, 1996:

http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/tundra/tundra.html