Tundra ecosystem

Structure and functional units of A.G. Tansley (English botanist) was the one who coined the term ‘ecosystem’ in 1935. Ecosystem consists of both living and nonliving components and both of them interact with each other to maintain equality in the chain. Types of Ecosystem • The size of the ecosystem can differ from place to place - it may be as small as an oasis of a desert or it may be as large as a big ocean. So on this basis, we can categorise ecosystems into two types, they are terrestrial ecosystems or aquatic ecosystems. Furth both of these terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are divided into different types based on their surrounding. • Based on different geological zones terrestrial ecosystem is divided into various types, they are: A. Forest Ecosystems B. Grassland Ecosystems C. Tundra Ecosystems D. Desert Ecosystem Tundra Ecosystem In this type of ecosystem, they are free from trees as it is covered by snow for most of the year. These ecosystems are mainly present in those areas where there is a cold climate and very limited or no rainfall. One of the common regions where tundra ecosystems are found is the polar regions. There are two types of tundra ecosystems, they are discussed below: A. Arctic: This tundra is mainly located in the northern hemisphere, encircling the north pole and extending towards the south. This tundra is known for its cold and desert-like conditions. In this region temperatures during winters are about 3-12 0 C during day time and -34 0 C ...

The tundra is a large, barren region with no trees. In fact, the word tundra comes from the Finnish word tunturia, which means “treeless plain.” Areas of tundra lie between the permanent ice of the far north and the northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. They cover about 20 percent of Earth’s surface. They are some of the coldest places on Earth. Only low-growing plants, such as mosses and shrubs, can survive in the tundra. Plantlike living things called Tundra animals must be able to survive long, cold winters. Many birds live there in the summer, but few stay through the winter. Some common tundra animals are reindeer, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, musk oxen, and polar bears. Very few people live in the tundra. Arctic peoples, including the

Many climate scientists say their biggest fear is that warming could melt the Arctic permafrost – which stretches for thousands of miles across Alaska, Canada, and Siberia. ~ Michael Specter Climate of the Tundra Extreme cold temperatures define the typical The arctic tundra, which is located in the northern hemisphere surrounding the North Pole, is characterized by extremely cold and dry conditions, similar to a frozen desert. Furthermore, during the winter months, periods without daylight can extend for weeks, with extremely cold temperatures being reached. In summer months, the sun can shine almost around the clock, which is why so many plants and animals need this time for survival. Alpine tundra, on the other hand, can be found on the tops of the world’s highest mountains. Similar to the arctic tundra, these areas are defined by freezing temperatures and dry air, though they are located in higher elevations. Because of these heights, the alpine tundra is often subject to larger concentrations of sunlight at a time, because the air and atmosphere are thinner, thereby allowing rays to penetrate stronger. The tundra climate offers a short growing season that encourages low species diversity. The animals and plants of the tundra biome have adapted to survive this kind of harsh climate. Location of the Tundra There are two main types of tundra biomes in the world, one at the Arctic Circle in the northern hemisphere, and the other that is found on the tops of the highest mo...