Understanding What a Tundra Is
A tundra is a cold, treeless ecosystem found in the Arctic, Antarctic, and high mountains. It has short summers, long winters, and frozen ground.
Key Features of the Tundra
Permafrost: A layer of permanently frozen soil.
Low temperatures: Long, harsh winters and brief summers.
Little vegetation: Mostly mosses, grasses, and small shrubs.
Strong winds: Plants grow low to survive tough conditions.
Types of Tundra
Arctic tundra: Found near the North Pole.
Alpine tundra: Found on high mountains across the world.
Antarctic tundra: Found in parts of Antarctica and nearby islands.
Plants That Survive in the Tundra
Mosses, lichens, dwarf shrubs, and hardy grasses grow close to the ground to stay warm and protected from cold winds.
Animals of the Tundra
Caribou: Travel in large herds.
Arctic foxes: Adapted to extreme cold.
Snowy owls: Hunters of small mammals.
Lemmings: Important prey in the food web.
How Life Adapts
Animals grow thick fur and store fat. Plants have shallow roots and grow quickly during the short summer. Many species migrate to avoid winter.
Why Tundras Matter
They help regulate Earth’s climate, store carbon in frozen soil, and support unique wildlife adapted to extreme environments.
The Simple Takeaway
A tundra is a cold, treeless ecosystem with frozen ground and hardy life. Despite harsh conditions, it supports a unique and important web of species.