Biome Definition

Biome Definition:

· A large community of plants and animals that live together in an area is called a biome.

· The world's biomes can be grouped into the following types: aquatic, desert, forest, grassland and tundra.

Tundra Definition

Tundra Definition:

· Tundra is a cold, harsh and treeless area on Earth.

· It is found in the Arctic and on the tops of mountains.

Map of Tundra:

Video Link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/spring-on-the-arctic-tundra/10481.html

Tundra Plants

Tundra Plants

· Many lichens, mosses, arctic willows, arctic poppies, and cushion plants flourish in the arctic tundra.

· The plants are small, short and close to ground to protect themselves. Their small leaves helps to retain moisture.

· Tundra plants can adapt to low temperatures and low light conditions.

· In the short summers, they use the long hours of sunlight to produce quickly.

Tundra Animals

Tundra Animals

· Caribou, musk oxen, arctic fox, lemmings, and polar bears have adapted to live in the tundra.

· Most animals are migratory

· Many animals hibernate to minimize energy loss.

· Thick fur helps to keep warm.

· They shed fur in the summer and change fur color to camouflage themselves.

· Animals breed and raise their young in the summer.

Video Link:

http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/planet-earth-plains-following-the-caribou.html

Human Impact on Tundra

Human Impact:

· Overhunting: Sailors overhunt musk oxen for the food and clothing.

· Global Warming: Melting glaciers and permafrost flood areas and destroys plant species.

· Oil Drilling: Tundra has many natural resources, like oil and nickel. Pollution from mines and rigs ruins the fragile ecosystem.

· Overdevelopment: Many people are moving in to work in the mines and oil industry. Towns and roads are made for the increased population. Many of the animals’ migrations and feeding patterns are interrupted by developments.

· Pollution: Air pollution reduces the ozone layer and exposes tundra to harmful ultraviolet rays, which affects plants and animals life negatively.

Video Link:

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/player.html

Tundra Solutions to Human Impact

Solutions:

· Use alternate energy to minimize global warming.

· By conservation process, protect areas and park reserves to restrict human influence on tundra

· Through government regulations, limit infrastructure development such as road and bridge construction, mining activities, and oil pipe building.

· Limit tourism and respect local cultures.