The climatic and geological factors of the planet Earth are very varied, and the presence of a certain type of landscape, climate, flora and fauna depends to a large extent, being able to find from hostile regions subjected to high temperatures, such as deserts to completely opposite areas. We talk about the tundra, do you know what it is? In ecology, we tell you everything about the Tundra: its characteristics, flora and fauna.
What is tundra and its characteristics
The term tundra refers to Bioclimatic landscape characteristic of subglaciar areas. Tundra is typical of Polar areas located at high latitudesgenerally in the northern hemisphere of the planet, being able to be observed in regions such as:
- Alaska.
- The north of Canada.
- The north of Antarctica.
- Northern Europe.
- Siberia.
- Iceland.
- Russia.
- Scandinavia.
- The southern part of Greenland.
- The highest areas of Chile and Argentina.
- Some sub -antarctic islands.
It is characterized by having a very cold climate with temperatures below 0 ° C during most of the year being able to reach -70 ° C in the winter months. The rainfall are scarce and very strong winds. In addition, the soil barely has nutrients, in fact, is practically frozen, so there is Little diversity of species both vegetable and animals.
As for its geology, as we have mentioned above, it is characterized by the presence of a stable ice layer located at low depth called permafrost, Although we can also find large frozen surfaces which melt in the summer months, giving rise to swamps or boobs.
Types of tundra
The tundra can divide:
- Arctic tundra: It is located in the northern hemisphere, covering a large part of Canada and Alaska. Within the low diversity of the tundra, we can consider that there are a variety of considerable plants and animals, capable of resisting low temperatures.
- The alpine tundra: It is located in the mountainous areas, located at great height, so the temperatures are slightly lower, finding fewer species of plants and animals than in the Arctic Tundra.
- Antarctic tundra: It is the least common ecosystem, being mainly on islands such as some Kerguelen islands, the South Georgian Islands and South Sandwich. Because they are far from the continents, they have less diversity than the Arctic and Alpine tundra, although it is possible to see seals and penguins into its surroundings.
Tundra flora
The extreme temperatures typical of the tundra climate, together with the shortage of nutrients and rainfall, They prevent the existence of many plant speciesIn fact, there are no trees in the tundra, although we can find some other low -dimensions species in the landscape.
Generally these are subject to a series of adaptations that allow their survival in such a hostile territory, growing near rocks that protect them from the wind, being able to germinate and flourish quickly in the summer months and retain small dimensions that allow them to absorb the heat of the ground. Thus, the vegetation of the tundra is mainly formed by mosses, lichens, small shrubs and perennial herbs. Mainly, the Tundra flora is the following:
- Dwarf birch: It barely reaches 70 cm high so it is not considered a tree, but, shrub.
- Yagel mosses: The Yagel is a lichen of this place, being able to live up to more than 500 years.
- Lichen Jela: Licen of larger size we can find since it measures between 10 and 15 cm.
- Lingonberry: It is a small plant, around 30 cm high that presents sweet flavor berries.
- Black Cuervo: As in the previous case, it presents sweet flavor berries. This plant is also known for its medicinal properties.
Tundra fauna
As in the case of flora, the unfavorable conditions characteristics of the tundra They prevent the presence of a great diversity of species. Most of them develop in the Arctic Tundra, because there is a greater amount of food, as well as in coastlines or near the seas we can find some species of seal and sea lions.
Generally, animals that remain in this bioma have adapted their conditions to subsist, protecting themselves with thick layers of fat under your skin and with a strong and thick fur. In addition, this is usually whitish in order to mimic with the environment and can go unnoticed by the presence of hunters and predators, such as: for example:
- Polar hare: It is located in countries such as Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Scandinavia and the color of its fur varies depending on the season of the year, being clearer in the winter months and presenting darker shades in summer.
- Caribú: It is a reindeer from the northern hemisphere’s tundra, although he has adapted to living in its surroundings, being able to be today in the sub -Antarctic islands.
- Ermine: It is a small carnivorous mammal, similar to a weasel that lives in northern US, Canada and Eurasia.
- Arctic Wolf: It is smaller than the gray wolf and the color of its fur varies according to the season. It is found in different regions of the Arctic.
- Polar bear: It is the largest mammal that we can find in the tundra. It is mainly distributed in some regions of Canada and Alaska. In the following article we explain why the polar bear is in danger of extinction.
- Nival owl: also known as the snow owl. It is a large bird, whose plumage is mainly white although females and younger species can have dark spots on the abdomen.
If you want to read more articles similar to Tundra: characteristics, flora and faunawe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.
