polar and tundra P1

• What are the learning objectives for today's geography lesson?

  Characteristics of polar and tundra environments and adaptations of plants/animals
• What environmental characteristics are we considering for polar and tundra regions?

  Climate, soil, plants, animals, and people
• What is a typical winter temperature in polar climates?

  Below freezing, dropping to -40°C, can reach -90°C
• What covers polar areas?

  Ice sheets
• Which animals can be found in polar regions?

  Polar bears, penguins, whales, and seals
• Who typically inhabits the Arctic region?

  Indigenous people and some scientists
• What plants can be found in the tundra?

  Hardly any shrubs, grasses, mosses, lichens
• Who lives in tundra environments?

  Indigenous people, oil and gas workers
• Name three animals found in the tundra.

  Lemmings, wolves, and reindeer
• What kind of layer do both polar and tundra environments have?

  Permafrost
• During what period does most growth occur in polar and tundra environments?

  Short warm period
• What characteristics enable cotton grass to survive in polar and tundra environments?

  Low-lying, seeds that scatter, narrow leaves, short cycle
• Why does cotton grass grow low to the ground?

  Snow covers it to help insulate it
• Why do cotton grass have narrow leaves?

  To reduce transpiration and water loss
• Why does cotton grass have a short life cycle?

  Adapted to a short growing season
• What is the function of dense flower heads in cotton grass?

  Reducing heat loss
• Why do polar bears have a small surface area to volume ratio?

  To minimize heat loss
• What is the purpose of a polar bear's greasy coat?

  Sheds water after swimming to reduce heat loss
• Where do grasses grow in polar areas?

  At the coast