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Tundra. Jon Mayes. What Is The Tundra?. Northern Biome Dominated by: Mosses Lichens Dwarf Willows Low-Moderate Precipitation Very Short Growing Season Covers approximately 1/5 of land “Treeless”. Climate. Cold Average Temperature: less than 5 degree Celsius
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Tundra Jon Mayes
What Is The Tundra? • Northern Biome • Dominated by: • Mosses • Lichens • Dwarf Willows • Low-Moderate Precipitation • Very Short Growing Season • Covers approximately 1/5 of land • “Treeless”
Climate • Cold • Average Temperature: less than 5 degree Celsius • Precipitation exceeds evaporation • Precipitation • 15-25 cm per year • Normally snow • Summer – Brief • 3-12 degrees Celsiuson average • Periods of almost 24 hour daylight • Soggy
Permafrost • Unique soil structure • Layer of year-round frozen soil • Soil above may thaw in summer • Prevents deep burrowing • Prevents deep root systems • When water saturates upper surface: • Bogs/ponds form • Consists mostly of gravel and finer materials
Animals • Caribou/Reindeer • Considered indicator species • Lemming • Arctic Hare • Polar Bear • Arctic Fox • Snowy Owl • Musk Ox
Animals Musk OX Snowy Owl
Animals Arctic Fox Polar Bear
Animal Adaptations • Breed and raise young in summer • Hibernate/sleep during worst part of winter • Many migratory species • Others need to change what they eat depending on season • Additional insulation from fat • Thicker coats • Shorter/smaller to reduce surface area
Plants • Lichens • Willows • Sedges • Grasses • Mosses • Fireweed • Variety of low-growing shrubs
Plants Polytrichum Moss Fireweed
Plants • Growing season up to 60 days • Adapt to environment by: • Grow shorter • Grouping together • Use minimal amount of energy • Photosynthesize at low temperature/light intensity • No deep root systems • Most plants reproduce by budding • Hairy stem • Darker pigments
Threats to the Tundra • Global Warming • Permafrost is filled with dead plant material • As it warms, carbon dioxide is released • Accelerates global warming • Gas/Oil Development • Destroys the ecosystem • More people been moving to tundra • New towns/roads • Interrupts many migration and feeding patterns