The tundra is one of the coldest and harshest biomes on Earth. It is found in two main forms: Arctic tundra and Alpine tundra. Arctic tundra is located near the North Pole, in regions such as Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Russia. It forms because these areas receive very little direct sunlight due to the angle of the Sun. In winter, the Sun stays low in the sky or does not rise at all for months, causing long, freezing nights. In summer, the Sun stays up for almost 24 hours a day, but it remains at a low angle, meaning temperatures stay cool.
Alpine tundra, on the other hand, is found in high mountain regions around the world, such as the Rocky Mountains, the Andes, and the Himalayas. Unlike Arctic tundra, Alpine tundra is not defined by latitude but by elevation. As altitude increases, temperatures drop, winds become stronger, and oxygen levels decrease, creating harsh conditions similar to those of the Arctic. Because of this, both types of tundra have short, cold summers and long, harsh winters, limiting the types of life that can survive there.
Plants of the Tundra Biome
Tundra plants must survive freezing temperatures, strong winds, and a short growing season. Many have adapted by growing close to the ground to avoid wind damage, having shallow roots to absorb nutrients from the thin soil, and developing hairy or waxy coatings to retain moisture and warmth.
Arctic Moss (Arctic Tundra) – This plant grows in shallow pools of water and has small leaves to reduce water loss. It can survive extreme cold by growing very slowly and storing nutrients for long winters.
Lichen (Arctic and Alpine Tundra) – Lichens are a combination of fungi and algae that grow on rocks and soil. They can survive without soil, making them well-suited to the tundra’s rocky, frozen ground.
Bearberry (Arctic and Alpine Tundra) – This low-growing plant has leathery leaves that help retain moisture. It grows close to the ground to stay protected from strong winds and cold temperatures.
Willow Shrubs (Arctic and Alpine Tundra) – These tiny trees, like the Arctic willow, grow very short and spread along the ground to survive harsh winds. They also have fuzzy hairs on their leaves to trap heat.
Pasque Flower (Alpine Tundra) – This plant has thick, hairy stems to insulate it from the cold and blooms early in the short summer to take advantage of available sunlight.
Animals of the Tundra Biome
Tundra animals have adapted to survive extreme cold, strong winds, and limited food. Many have thick fur or feathers, store fat for insulation, and change colors with the seasons for camouflage. Some migrate to warmer areas in the winter, while others hibernate to conserve energy.
Arctic Fox (Arctic Tundra) – This small fox has thick fur and a compact body shape that helps conserve heat. In winter, its fur turns white for camouflage in the snow, while in summer, it turns brown to blend in with rocks and plants.
Caribou (Arctic Tundra) – Also known as reindeer, caribou migrate long distances to find food. They have large hooves that help them walk on snow and dig for plants under the ice.
Snowy Owl (Arctic Tundra) – This bird has thick feathers covering its entire body, including its feet, to keep warm. It hunts small mammals like lemmings and has excellent eyesight for spotting prey in the snow.
Musk Ox (Arctic Tundra) – This large mammal has a thick coat of long, shaggy hair that traps heat. It survives by grazing on frozen grasses and using its strong legs to break through the ice for food.
Pika (Alpine Tundra) – These small mammals store food in rock crevices to survive the winter. They have dense fur to keep warm in the cold mountain air.
People of the Tundra Biome
Many indigenous groups have lived in the tundra for thousands of years, developing unique ways to survive in such a harsh environment.
Inuit (Arctic Tundra, North America and Greenland) – The Inuit hunt animals like seals, caribou, and fish for food, using every part of the animal for clothing, shelter, and tools. They build insulated homes called igloos in winter and use sled dogs for transportation.
Sámi (Arctic Tundra, Northern Europe) – The Sámi people herd reindeer, which provide food, clothing, and transportation. They wear layered clothing made from reindeer fur to stay warm in freezing temperatures.
Nenets (Arctic Tundra, Siberia, Russia) – The Nenets are nomadic reindeer herders who migrate with their herds across the frozen tundra. They live in tents called chum, which can be quickly packed up and moved.
Tibetan People (Alpine Tundra, Himalayas, Asia) – Tibetans have adapted to high-altitude tundra by developing larger lungs to absorb more oxygen. They raise yaks, which provide milk, meat, and warm wool for clothing.
Aymara (Alpine Tundra, Andes Mountains, South America) – The Aymara people farm hardy crops like potatoes and quinoa, which can survive in cold, high-altitude conditions. They also raise llamas and alpacas for wool and transportation.
Current Challenges in the Tundra
The tundra is facing serious environmental challenges due to human activities and climate change.
Climate Change – Rising temperatures are causing permafrost (permanently frozen ground) to melt, which releases greenhouse gases like methane into the atmosphere and speeds up global warming.
Habitat Loss – As the Arctic warms, shrubs and trees are starting to grow in the tundra, changing the habitat and making it harder for tundra species to survive.
Pollution – Oil drilling and mining in the tundra can lead to pollution that harms local wildlife and disrupts fragile ecosystems.
Loss of Indigenous Traditions – Many indigenous groups are struggling to maintain their traditional ways of life as modern technology, climate change, and government policies impact their lands and resources.
Despite these challenges, scientists and conservationists are working to protect the tundra and its unique wildlife. By studying these cold and extreme environments, we can learn more about how ecosystems adapt to harsh conditions and how to reduce the impact of climate change on our planet.
Check out my biome resources at Teachers Pay Teachers! I have reading passages, picture cards for sorting, and flashcards! You can also check out the flashcards right here!
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The Biosphere
Middle School Science
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