interdependence

• What are the biotic components of cold environments?

  Plants, animals, and people
• What are the abiotic components of cold environments?

  Climate, soils, and permafrost
• How does the cold climate affect plant growth in cold environments?

  It causes slow growth and decomposition
• What is the impact of low plant cover on soil nutrients?

  It results in relatively low soil nutrients
• Why must herbivores migrate in cold environments?

  To find areas where plants can grow
• What do carnivores follow in cold environments?

  Herbivores that rely on plants
• How do surface plants in summer affect permafrost?

  They absorb heat, preventing thawing
• What role does permafrost play for plants?

  It provides water for plant growth
• What happens if humans trample lots of plants in cold environments?

  Soil warms, potentially thawing permafrost
• What effect does thawing permafrost have on soil?

  It saturates soil and prevents plant growth
• How does a decrease in plants affect animals in cold environments?

  Animals struggle to find enough food
• What gases are released by melting permafrost?

  Greenhouse gases contributing to global warming
• What are the interdependencies in cold ecosystems?

  • Biotic and abiotic components are interdependent
  • Cold climate limits plant growth and decomposition
  • Herbivores migrate for food; carnivores follow them
  • Summer plant cover protects permafrost from thawing