This map shows the distribution of biomes throughout the world. The purple colour showing where the tundra biome is found.
Source Fact: the alpine tundra can be found anywhere on earth and isn't defined by elevation, unlike some biomes, it can start at varying heights. On the large volcanoes of Mexico, the treeline ends at around 13000 feet, but in places like Alaska, it can start at just a few thousand feet in elevation. Alpine tundra is regarded as the highest point of life. It is the land of no trees.
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what's a biome?Biomes are large, naturally occuring, areas consisting of communities of flora and fauna. They are sometimes classified as sub-climates within the atmosphere. The distribution of biomes is varied all over the world, with taiga occupying the most, and high mountain biomes the least. Biomes are characterised by their plant and animal species and climate.
The word tundra comes from the Finnish word, "tuntria," meaning "treeless plain"
![]() This chart shows the amounts of each type of biome throughout the world.
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tundra
The tundra biome is characterised into two areas, alpine and arctic tundra.
Characteristics of the Arctic Tundra Arctic tundra is found in the northern hemisphere, it encircles the North Pole and branches South the the taiga coniferous forests. The arctic is known for its cold, desert-like conditions. With a growing season of 50-60 days annually and the average winter temperature at -34°C, it is hard to imagine that any life could be sustained here. Although, with an summer temperature of 3-12°C melting the permafrost under the soil and forming bogs and ponds, plants are provided with the moisture required. There aren't any deep root systems in the arctic tundra vegetation, however, plants which are able to resist the cold climate thrive here. Flora: there's approximately 1700 species of plant which grown in this region. These include: low shrubs, sedges, reindeer misses, liverworts and grasses, 400 varieties of flowers, crustose and foliose lichen. Plants in this region have adapted to the inconstant and possibly brutal winds and grow in groups to help resist the cold. Photosynthesis in these plants can be carried out at low temperatures and in low light intensities. Due to such short growing seasons, most plants reproduce by budding and division instead of sexually, by flowering. Fauna: there is a large array of mammals, birds, insects and fish that reside in the arctic. Such as: - Herbivorous mammals: lemmings, voles, caribou, arctic hares and squirrels. - Carnivorous mammals: like arctic foxes, wolves and polar bears. - Migratory birds: ravens, snow buntings, falcons, loons, sandpipers, terns, snow birds, and various species of gulls. - Insects: mosquitoes, flies, moths, grasshoppers, black flies and arctic bumble bees. - Fish: cod, flatfish, salmon and trout. Animals have adapted to handles long, cold winters and to raised their young quickly during the summer. Climate and Temperature: the top summer temperatures range from about 3°C to 12°C for the 50-60 day summer, during which, the sun can shine 24 hours a day. Winter temperatures average at about -34°C. |
Characteristics of the Alpine Tundra
The alpine tundra is located on the mountains throughout the world at the high altitudes where tress cannot grow. The growing season is approximately 180 days a year. Unlike the arctic tundra, the soil is not filled with permafrost and is well drained from extremely amounts of liquid. Average precipitation is around 30cm a year. Flora: plants in the alpine tundra are very similar to those in the arctic, with the additions of tussock grasses, dwarf trees, small-leaves shrubs and heaths. Fauna: animals living in this area of tundra are also well adapted to their area. These animals include: - Mammals: pikas, marmots, mountain goats, sheep and elk. - Birds: grouse-like birds. - Insects: springtails, beetles, grasshoppers and butterflies. Climate and Temperature: there are very few, if any, trees. Temperatures below freezing overnight and during the day range anywhere from -12°c up to 10°c. |