Tundra BiomeTundra Biome

Shelby Walters, Lydia Williams, Shelby Walters, Lydia Williams, Kelsey Bolt, Stephen RileyKelsey Bolt, Stephen Riley

20122012

Amazing Animals of the ArcticAmazing Animals of the Arctic TundraTundra

Arctic Fox: The Arctic Fox is also know as the Polar Fox and the White Fox. Their homes which are Arctic Fox: The Arctic Fox is also know as the Polar Fox and the White Fox. Their homes which are burrows are made out of rocks. The arctic fox is about the size of a domesticated house cat. It is burrows are made out of rocks. The arctic fox is about the size of a domesticated house cat. It is about 10-16 inches long. It weighs about 6-12 pounds. The arctic fox is white in the winter but is a about 10-16 inches long. It weighs about 6-12 pounds. The arctic fox is white in the winter but is a gray or a blue in the summer.gray or a blue in the summer.

Caribou: The Caribou lives in the Arctic Tundra, Mountain Tundra, and the Northern Forests of North Caribou: The Caribou lives in the Arctic Tundra, Mountain Tundra, and the Northern Forests of North America, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia. There are about 5 million Caribou in the world. They America, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia. There are about 5 million Caribou in the world. They were first domesticated in Norway, and Asia and called Reindeer. They were brought to parts of were first domesticated in Norway, and Asia and called Reindeer. They were brought to parts of Canada as soon as it was seen how valuable they were. They were also brought to Alaska in 1887. Canada as soon as it was seen how valuable they were. They were also brought to Alaska in 1887. The Caribou can travel up to 50 miles a day.The Caribou can travel up to 50 miles a day.

Ermine: The Ermine is found all over Canada, Eurasia, and the northern U.S.A. The Ermine lives in Ermine: The Ermine is found all over Canada, Eurasia, and the northern U.S.A. The Ermine lives in biomes such as the Taigas, and Tundra. The climate in winter is extremely cold in fact the Siberia biomes such as the Taigas, and Tundra. The climate in winter is extremely cold in fact the Siberia tundra is the coldest biome in the world. Ermine make their dens in the roots in the trees in the tundra is the coldest biome in the world. Ermine make their dens in the roots in the trees in the south, although there are no trees in the tundra. The ermine is a small animal that weighs between south, although there are no trees in the tundra. The ermine is a small animal that weighs between three to fifteen oz. The ermines flexible spine lets it do something called the “marten run.” three to fifteen oz. The ermines flexible spine lets it do something called the “marten run.”

Grizzly Bear: Most bears are found in Northern America and Eurasia. Grizzlies however can be Grizzly Bear: Most bears are found in Northern America and Eurasia. Grizzlies however can be found on the Alaskan and North Western Canadian tundra. Grizzly bears are considered a found on the Alaskan and North Western Canadian tundra. Grizzly bears are considered a subspecies of the brown bear. The grizzly bear habitat includes mountains, valleys, forests, and subspecies of the brown bear. The grizzly bear habitat includes mountains, valleys, forests, and meadows. Grizzly bears have a lot of physical strength and are fast over short sprints. Grizzly meadows. Grizzly bears have a lot of physical strength and are fast over short sprints. Grizzly bears have a great sense of smell.bears have a great sense of smell.

Pools cover the Arctic Tundra in the Spring and Pools cover the Arctic Tundra in the Spring and Summer because the melting snow cannot make Summer because the melting snow cannot make it through the thick layer of permafrost. it through the thick layer of permafrost.

Footprints, tire tracks, even small rocks remain Footprints, tire tracks, even small rocks remain visible for years.visible for years.

Global warming has effected the Arctic Tundra Global warming has effected the Arctic Tundra more the any biome in the world.more the any biome in the world.

Flowers move to follow the sun’s movement so Flowers move to follow the sun’s movement so they get as much heat and light as possible.they get as much heat and light as possible.

Believe It Or NotBelieve It Or Not

Cold Weather in the Cold Weather in the Tundra’sTundra’s

The arctic tundra only has two seasons The arctic tundra only has two seasons winter and summer. Winter last 6 to 10 winter and summer. Winter last 6 to 10 month’s . month’s .

The temperature gets as low a -50F The temperature gets as low a -50F By January temperatures may average By January temperatures may average

from anywhere from – 4 to a bitter -22 F.from anywhere from – 4 to a bitter -22 F. The climate varies for a number of The climate varies for a number of

reasons.reasons.

Don’t worry you can Don’t worry you can

To help save the Tundra’s, you can: Turn of TV’s, To help save the Tundra’s, you can: Turn of TV’s, Computers, and Lights, and use less electricity.Computers, and Lights, and use less electricity.

Turn down the heat.Turn down the heat. Take cooler, shorter , showers and/ or baths.Take cooler, shorter , showers and/ or baths. Ride your bike, take bus, or even walk, Ride your bike, take bus, or even walk,

everywhere you go, if possible.everywhere you go, if possible. Try not to buy stuff with lots of packaging. It Try not to buy stuff with lots of packaging. It

takes up lot’s of energy to make lot’s of takes up lot’s of energy to make lot’s of packaging.packaging.

Excellent Animal Excellent Animal AdaptationsAdaptations

Since many animals do not live in the tundra year-Since many animals do not live in the tundra year-round, migration and hibernation are an example of round, migration and hibernation are an example of animal adaptations.animal adaptations.

A few more examples of animal adaptations are: A few more examples of animal adaptations are: growing an extra layer of fur, migration, camouflage, growing an extra layer of fur, migration, camouflage, and thick fur.and thick fur.

Another good example is the Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox Another good example is the Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox has a short body and short ears and thick hair so that it has a short body and short ears and thick hair so that it will be warmer with not so much body to have to will be warmer with not so much body to have to support support

If you would like to find out more you can go to If you would like to find out more you can go to www.tundraanimals.net

The tundra food chain starts with producers. The producers of The tundra food chain starts with producers. The producers of the Tundra food chain are the Purple Saxifrage, the arctic the Tundra food chain are the Purple Saxifrage, the arctic willow and some grass, and sage. willow and some grass, and sage.

The next stage consist herbivores. The arctic hare eats the The next stage consist herbivores. The arctic hare eats the plants, but the herbivore only receives ten percent of the plants, but the herbivore only receives ten percent of the plants energy. While the arctic hare is alive the fleas are plants energy. While the arctic hare is alive the fleas are feeding off of it. The hare’s predators are the Ermine, the feeding off of it. The hare’s predators are the Ermine, the rough necked hawk, and the gyrfalcon. Owls, human, the rough necked hawk, and the gyrfalcon. Owls, human, the arctic wolf, and fox. The hare has many predators when it is arctic wolf, and fox. The hare has many predators when it is alive and dead the specie black flies, and the arctic fox, are alive and dead the specie black flies, and the arctic fox, are scavengers who will eat the dead and decaying animals.scavengers who will eat the dead and decaying animals.

The pellets of the arctic hare also acts as a source of nutrition The pellets of the arctic hare also acts as a source of nutrition for plants in the arctic tundra .for plants in the arctic tundra .

Glad We Don’t Live There!Glad We Don’t Live There!

The Arctic Tundra’s frigid temperatures makes it The Arctic Tundra’s frigid temperatures makes it almost impossible for human life to live there, almost impossible for human life to live there, because we don’t have the right adaptations.because we don’t have the right adaptations.

Think about how hard it would be to live there Think about how hard it would be to live there and be surrounded by snow. and be surrounded by snow.

Also the temperatures are so cold it is very easy Also the temperatures are so cold it is very easy to get frostbite, pneumonia, and hypothermia.to get frostbite, pneumonia, and hypothermia.

And not to mention all the dangerous animals And not to mention all the dangerous animals that live there. Including the grizzly bear, the that live there. Including the grizzly bear, the wolf, the arctic fox, and the polar bear.wolf, the arctic fox, and the polar bear.

Happy To Be There Happy To Be There

Please don’t disturb the animals in the Please don’t disturb the animals in the arctic tundra. arctic tundra.

They are happy where they are.They are happy where they are. If we move the animals out of their If we move the animals out of their

habitats then their whole species could habitats then their whole species could die. die.

We don’t think you would want to be the We don’t think you would want to be the reason to hurt those poor animals. reason to hurt those poor animals.

Ice and SnowIce and Snow

Ice in the Arctic Tundra can verify in Ice in the Arctic Tundra can verify in ice circles or sometimes it can freeze ice circles or sometimes it can freeze over lakes and ponds and big bodies over lakes and ponds and big bodies of water.of water.

Snow can come in blizzards or just a Snow can come in blizzards or just a few sprinkles. Snow can hit hard or few sprinkles. Snow can hit hard or soft. Sometimes snowstorms can last soft. Sometimes snowstorms can last up to a month in the arctic tundra.up to a month in the arctic tundra.

Join us in the TundraJoin us in the Tundra

Arctic circle Alaskan Adventures offered by Arctic circle Alaskan Adventures offered by River’s Edge ResortRiver’s Edge Resort

Tundra Lodge Resort and Water parkTundra Lodge Resort and Water park Natures Vacations Canadian Arctic Nature Natures Vacations Canadian Arctic Nature

Photography Vacations Photography Vacations Tundra adventure: a beautiful and unique Tundra adventure: a beautiful and unique

Vacation Destination.Vacation Destination. These are places you can visit to see what These are places you can visit to see what

the Tundra really looks like.the Tundra really looks like.

Killing the WildlifeKilling the Wildlife

People have hurt the Arctic by killing many animals People have hurt the Arctic by killing many animals for there fur and their skin and many other things.for there fur and their skin and many other things.

One thing that the humans have done to the arctic One thing that the humans have done to the arctic is kill whales for their fresh meat and tradable fur. is kill whales for their fresh meat and tradable fur.

Here is a list of animals that live in the Arctic and Here is a list of animals that live in the Arctic and are on the endangered animal list:are on the endangered animal list:

Polar bears, the Arctic fox, Arctic Peregrine falcon, Polar bears, the Arctic fox, Arctic Peregrine falcon, the Eskimo Curlew, and the Wood Bison.the Eskimo Curlew, and the Wood Bison.

That wasn’t as many as I thought there would be That wasn’t as many as I thought there would be but there are your endangered species that have but there are your endangered species that have been hurt form humans. Save the animals!been hurt form humans. Save the animals!

Location of the Tundra’sLocation of the Tundra’s

The Arctic tundra is located at the top of the Earth. It is of course The Arctic tundra is located at the top of the Earth. It is of course close to the Arctic Tundra. Some of the Arctic tundra’s are located in close to the Arctic Tundra. Some of the Arctic tundra’s are located in Iceland, Russia, Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia. The arctic tundra is in Iceland, Russia, Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia. The arctic tundra is in the northern hemisphere. Most of the time since it is the arctic you the northern hemisphere. Most of the time since it is the arctic you will find it in very old places. Those places are normally frozen with ice will find it in very old places. Those places are normally frozen with ice and have lots of snow on the ground. In the summer when it gets a and have lots of snow on the ground. In the summer when it gets a little bit warmer is when the ice and snow will melt some.little bit warmer is when the ice and snow will melt some.

In the U.S. the Alpine Tundra lies on top of the smallest mountains. In the U.S. the Alpine Tundra lies on top of the smallest mountains. The Alpine tundra is located in Sierra, Nevada, the Southern Cascade The Alpine tundra is located in Sierra, Nevada, the Southern Cascade Mountains in California, The Olympic Mountains, and the Northern Mountains in California, The Olympic Mountains, and the Northern Cascades in Washington, the Rockies in Idaho, Colorado Wyoming, and Cascades in Washington, the Rockies in Idaho, Colorado Wyoming, and Montana. Also in on the Peaks of the Great Basin Ranges in Nevada, Montana. Also in on the Peaks of the Great Basin Ranges in Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and California. In the east the Alpine Tundra is located Utah, Oregon, and California. In the east the Alpine Tundra is located on the summits of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains of on the summits of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains of New Hampshire the Adirondacks of New York and Mount Katahdin in New Hampshire the Adirondacks of New York and Mount Katahdin in Maine.Maine.

Mammals of the TundraMammals of the Tundra

There are many mammals that live in the tundra and here are a few examples:

•Snowy Owl: The snowy owl can be found in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia and many areas around the arctic circle. There have been reports of snowy owls in Ireland, China, and sometimes as far south as Texas and Georgia.

•Polar Bear: Polar Bears can be found in Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Norway they can also be found in some parts of Greenland.

•Arctic Hare: The arctic hare is located in Northern Canada and some parts in Greenland.

•Musk Ox: The musk ox can be found in Northern Canada, Greenland, Alaska, Norway, Sweden, and Russia.

•These are only a few of the mammals and their locations in the tundra’s.

Native People of the TundraNative People of the Tundra

Many groups of people live in the Tundra. Some Many groups of people live in the Tundra. Some have lived there since 10,000 years ago. Alaska’s have lived there since 10,000 years ago. Alaska’s arctic tundra people include Inuit and Aleuts, and arctic tundra people include Inuit and Aleuts, and Inupiat, and Yupik. Inuit’s also live in Canada and Inupiat, and Yupik. Inuit’s also live in Canada and Greenland. In Europe the Sámi people sometimes Greenland. In Europe the Sámi people sometimes called Capps live in Northern Norway, Sweden, called Capps live in Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Asian Russia's Arctic Tundra Finland, and Russia. Asian Russia's Arctic Tundra people include; Yupik, Nenets and Khanty. For people include; Yupik, Nenets and Khanty. For centuries these groups practiced similar ways of centuries these groups practiced similar ways of life.life.

Oil Spills and the Damage They Oil Spills and the Damage They CauseCause

If you have ever heard about or seen If you have ever heard about or seen an oil spill you know how serious it is.an oil spill you know how serious it is.

Oil spills in the Tundra result very Oil spills in the Tundra result very badly. They destroy habitats and badly. They destroy habitats and sometimes in the Arctic, stain the sometimes in the Arctic, stain the ice. ice.

Please if you grow up to be a worker Please if you grow up to be a worker on an oil rig BE CAREFUL! on an oil rig BE CAREFUL!

Plant AdaptationsPlant Adaptations

Because of extreme and highly unpredictable weather conditions Because of extreme and highly unpredictable weather conditions in the Tundra’s the plants that live there need to be able to in the Tundra’s the plants that live there need to be able to compensate for the extreme cold. Therefore they have adapted in compensate for the extreme cold. Therefore they have adapted in many ways. Here are a few ways plants in the Tundra’s survive.many ways. Here are a few ways plants in the Tundra’s survive.

Plants grow close to the ground to avoid cold, icy winds, and to Plants grow close to the ground to avoid cold, icy winds, and to conserve heat. conserve heat.

They are also dark in color, and grow little hairs to help the plant They are also dark in color, and grow little hairs to help the plant trap heat and keep it there.trap heat and keep it there.

The warmer the plant gets, the faster it grows.The warmer the plant gets, the faster it grows. Some plants even grow in clumps in order to defend themselves Some plants even grow in clumps in order to defend themselves

from harsh winds, and keep each other warm. These plants also from harsh winds, and keep each other warm. These plants also stay warmer because more of the plant is exposed to the sun.stay warmer because more of the plant is exposed to the sun.

Some plants even grow dish-like flowers which track the sun.Some plants even grow dish-like flowers which track the sun.

Female Rock Ptarmigan: The female rock ptarmigan Female Rock Ptarmigan: The female rock ptarmigan needs areas with brush to protect the younger chicks.needs areas with brush to protect the younger chicks.

Male Rock Ptarmigan: The male rock ptarmigan prefers Male Rock Ptarmigan: The male rock ptarmigan prefers open barren areas to assist them in locating predators open barren areas to assist them in locating predators and other rock ptarmigans.and other rock ptarmigans.

Young Ptarmigan: Young rock ptarmigans need insects Young Ptarmigan: Young rock ptarmigans need insects for vegetation. They also need leaves, flowers, and for vegetation. They also need leaves, flowers, and certain berries.certain berries.

The Emperor Penguin: The emperor penguin needs The Emperor Penguin: The emperor penguin needs shoaling fish and other types of fish to survive. The shoaling fish and other types of fish to survive. The emperor penguin also needs it’s feathers for cold emperor penguin also needs it’s feathers for cold conditions in the Arctic.conditions in the Arctic.

Rain In The TundraRain In The Tundra

Tundra’s are very cold and dry climates Tundra’s are very cold and dry climates that can get 6-10 inches of precipitation that can get 6-10 inches of precipitation every year which makes them similar to every year which makes them similar to a desert climate. The 6-10 inches also a desert climate. The 6-10 inches also includes snow. A Tundra might seem includes snow. A Tundra might seem wetter than it really is, because of the wetter than it really is, because of the little bit of precipitation that they get, little bit of precipitation that they get, evaporates do to permafrost and the evaporates do to permafrost and the little draining. little draining.

Super Facts of the TundraSuper Facts of the Tundra

There are many facts about the Tundra and I will list There are many facts about the Tundra and I will list some of them for you.some of them for you.

Our friends the polar bears can smell food from up Our friends the polar bears can smell food from up to 20 miles away.to 20 miles away.

Also the adult polar bears hold more than 150 lbs. Also the adult polar bears hold more than 150 lbs. of food.of food.

Nosebot flies go into to reindeers noses in the Nosebot flies go into to reindeers noses in the winter to keep warm.winter to keep warm.

Inuit's do not like to be called “Eskimos” , they Inuit's do not like to be called “Eskimos” , they prefer to be called Inuit's, which means “the prefer to be called Inuit's, which means “the people” in their languagepeople” in their language

Temperatures Temperatures

If the Tundra lies high above sea level If the Tundra lies high above sea level or a long way from a seaport, the or a long way from a seaport, the weather may be extremely cold. Near weather may be extremely cold. Near the ocean currents effect the Tundra. the ocean currents effect the Tundra. For example the North Atlantic drift For example the North Atlantic drift warms the coast of Northern warms the coast of Northern Scandinavia, while the Labrador current Scandinavia, while the Labrador current chills the coast of northeastern Canada.chills the coast of northeastern Canada.

Universal LocationsUniversal Locations

The tallest life zone is the Alpine Tundra which The tallest life zone is the Alpine Tundra which can be found at any latitude. Yet, the elevation can be found at any latitude. Yet, the elevation the Alpine Tundra begins at is higher or lower the Alpine Tundra begins at is higher or lower depending on where you are. depending on where you are.

For instance, on top of the tall Mexican Volcanoes For instance, on top of the tall Mexican Volcanoes the tree line is much taller than anywhere is the the tree line is much taller than anywhere is the United States. It stops around 13,000 feet.United States. It stops around 13,000 feet.

In Colorado the Alpine Tundra begins about In Colorado the Alpine Tundra begins about 11,500 feet. Farther north, in Alaska, the Tundra 11,500 feet. Farther north, in Alaska, the Tundra can form at only a few thousand feet elevation.can form at only a few thousand feet elevation.

Very, very cold climateVery, very cold climate

Winter in the Tundra is very cold, winter lasts about 6 Winter in the Tundra is very cold, winter lasts about 6 to 10 months.to 10 months.

It’s temperature in the winter can get as low as -50 It’s temperature in the winter can get as low as -50 degrees Fdegrees F

By January, temperatures may even average from By January, temperatures may even average from any where to -4 degrees to a bitter -20 degrees.any where to -4 degrees to a bitter -20 degrees.

Conditions go from one Tundra area to another.Conditions go from one Tundra area to another. In Northern Scandinavia, winter temperatures may In Northern Scandinavia, winter temperatures may

average 18 degrees.average 18 degrees. The winds can be fierce and there is little natural The winds can be fierce and there is little natural

shelter for the animals.shelter for the animals.

We’re a threat to the We’re a threat to the TundraTundra

Oil Spills will kill wildlife and damage the Tundra ecosystems. Oil Spills will kill wildlife and damage the Tundra ecosystems. Buildings and roads can put heat and pressure on the permafrost Buildings and roads can put heat and pressure on the permafrost

which will cause it to melt.which will cause it to melt. Oil, gas, minerals, and constructions can cause physical Oil, gas, minerals, and constructions can cause physical

disturbances and can destroy Tundra habitats.disturbances and can destroy Tundra habitats. Air pollution can cause smog clouds that hold lichen which is a Air pollution can cause smog clouds that hold lichen which is a

significant food source for many animals of the Tundra. significant food source for many animals of the Tundra. Ozone depletion at the North and South poles means stronger UV Ozone depletion at the North and South poles means stronger UV

rays that will harm the Tundra Biome.rays that will harm the Tundra Biome. The melting of permafrost which would be a result of global The melting of permafrost which would be a result of global

warming, which could radically change the landscape, and species warming, which could radically change the landscape, and species that live there.that live there.

Invasive species shove aside native vegetation and cut back the Invasive species shove aside native vegetation and cut back the differences of the plant cover.differences of the plant cover.

X-tra InfoX-tra Info

If you really like learning about the If you really like learning about the tundra then you can visit the library tundra then you can visit the library and find some really cool books. Or and find some really cool books. Or you can go to www.cotf.eduyou can go to www.cotf.edu

Also www.ucmp.berkely.eduAlso www.ucmp.berkely.edu Don’t forget if you have e-readers or Don’t forget if you have e-readers or

kindles or nooks there always good kindles or nooks there always good too. too.

You can help tooYou can help too

To save the tundra animalsTo save the tundra animals Drive less, walk or bike more.Drive less, walk or bike more. Use less electricity when you exit the roomUse less electricity when you exit the room Take colder and shorter showersTake colder and shorter showers Donate to wildlife fundsDonate to wildlife funds You can also learn about themYou can also learn about them Use less gas and recycle more.Use less gas and recycle more. Last but not least you can visit them in resorts Last but not least you can visit them in resorts

like Arctic circle Alaskan Adventures offered by like Arctic circle Alaskan Adventures offered by River’s Edge Resort.River’s Edge Resort.

Zoo’s Have Some Of The Zoo’s Have Some Of The Tundra AnimalsTundra Animals

Since not many animals live in the tundra Since not many animals live in the tundra you might think not many animals from you might think not many animals from the tundra’s are in zoo’s. Actually there the tundra’s are in zoo’s. Actually there are quite a few animals that are in zoo’sare quite a few animals that are in zoo’s

Some of the animals that are in zoo’s Some of the animals that are in zoo’s are: are:

Polar Bear, Snowy Owls, Arctic Foxes, Polar Bear, Snowy Owls, Arctic Foxes, Grizzly Bears, and Penguins.Grizzly Bears, and Penguins.

ReferencesReferences

BooksBooks Discovering the arctic tundra by Jamey Levey.Discovering the arctic tundra by Jamey Levey. The arctic habitat by Bobbie KalmanThe arctic habitat by Bobbie Kalman One Day in the Alpine Tundra by: Jean Craighead GeorgeOne Day in the Alpine Tundra by: Jean Craighead George WebsitesWebsites http://www.blueplanetbiomes.comhttp://www.blueplanetbiomes.com http://www.snippet.com http://www.snippet.com http://www.polaricebiome.pbworks.comhttp://www.polaricebiome.pbworks.com http://www.ucpmp.berkley.eduhttp://www.ucpmp.berkley.edu http://www.denaliloli.comhttp://www.denaliloli.com http://www.kidsgeu.comhttp://www.kidsgeu.com http://www.earthobseratory.comhttp://www.earthobseratory.com http://www.cyberkids.com.auhttp://www.cyberkids.com.au www.canada-photos.comwww.canada-photos.com