Among the different climates that exist throughout the world and the biomes we have the tundra. The climatic factors are very varied and depends to a great extent on the existence of different climates depending on the latitude and altitude in which we find ourselves. The most hostile regions are plagued with different harsher climates where species need to adapt to more extreme conditions.
In this article we are going to teach you everything you need to know about the tunda, its flora and fauna.
What is tundra
The tundra refers to the bioclimatic landscape in the areas that are close to the glacial areas. It is typical of areas that are generally higher latitudes and the northern hemisphere. In the south there is no tundra. Mainly, the tundra areas are in:
- Alaska.
- Northern Antarctica.
- Northern Europe.
- Siberia.
- Iceland.
- Northern Canada.
- Russia.
- Scandinavia.
- The southern part of Greenland.
- The highest areas of Chile and Argentina.
- Some subantarctic islands.
The characteristics of the tundra is to have a fairly cold climate with temperatures below zero degrees. For most of the year, can reach temperatures as low as -70 degrees during the winter months. This represents a serious problem for the species of living beings that inhabit these ecosystems and for the human beings that inhabit these places. Rainfall is scarce in these places and the winds are very strong, with full gusts.
The soil has no nutrients. In fact, they are practically frozen throughout the year. Only the few months that summer lasts is when the ground is covered with vegetables and life thrives. The lands where the tundra is found are lands where survival is very complex. Only the best and those who know how to take advantage of good opportunities are able to survive year after year.
Regarding the geology of these lands, we find stable ice sheets that are located at a shallow depth. This permanent ice sheet is called permafrost. You can find large frozen surfaces that, during the summer months, give rise to smaller swamps and peat bogs where a large amount of organic matter accumulates.
Types of tundra
The tundra is not just a unified climate with the same characteristics. Since it occurs in different parts of the world, in each one it acts in one way or another. Let's look at the different types of tundra that exist.
- Arctic. This type of climate is the one found in the northern hemisphere and covers much of Canada and Alaska. The temperatures and environmental conditions in these places make biodiversity more scarce. However, we can consider that, for the very difficult conditions that exist, there are a great variety of animals and plants that have adapted during evolution to these extreme conditions.
- Alpine. Another type of tundra found in mountain areas. They are located at a high altitude, so the temperatures are lower. Here we find fewer species of plants and animals than in the previous tundra. This is also due to altitude and the decrease in pressure with height.
- Antarctica. It is the least common of all. It is only found in some islands far from the continents. They have very little diversity and it is only inhabited mainly by seals and penguins.
Flora
The temperatures of this climate make the flora have to adapt to very harsh winters. Nutrient shortages mean that many plant species cannot survive. There are no trees as such, but there are some species of low dimensions and scattered throughout the landscape. These plants are subjected to a series of adaptations that allow them to survive in hostile conditions. For example, they grow near rocks that protect them from the wind, being able to germinate and flower quickly during the summer months.
Also, we will keep small dimensions that allow it to absorb the heat from the floor. The vegetation of the tundra consists mainly of mosses, lichens, some smaller shrubs, and perennial grasses. The flora of the tundra is reduced by:
- Dwarf birch. It is a tree that reaches only about 70 cm in height. It is a bush.
- Lichen jelly. A lichen with the largest size that can be found.
- Yagel Mosses. It is another lichen capable of surviving more than 500 years.
- lingonberry. Plant that is only 30 cm tall and has berries with a sweeter flavor.
- Black Raven. Another smaller plant that has sweet-tasting berries. It is known to have medicinal effects.
Fauna
As with plants, all animals have undergone adaptation processes after evolution in these environments. Most species of fauna thrive in the Arctic tundra. This is because there is a greater presence of coastline or it is close to the sea. We find various species of seals and sea lions in these areas.
Animals have adapted to these conditions by developing, for example, thick-layered fur or layers of fat under their skin. These completely natural layers insulate them from the cold and extreme weather conditions such as snow storms. The whiter color of the skin helps it camouflage itself in an environment where it is snowy most of the time.
Among the most abundant animals we find:
- Caribou It is the most abundant reindeer par excellence. It has adapted to living in harsh environments.
- Polar hare. The color of their fur changes according to the seasons for greater camouflage.
- Ermine. It is a mammal similar to the weasel. Hibernate in order to survive.
- Arctic Wolf. It is small in size and its coat also varies depending on the time of year.
- Polar Bear. Better known to all and affected by the effects of climate change and the melting of glaciers.
As you can see, the tundra is a climate where animals and plants must adapt to more difficult conditions.