L10 + 11 Polar regions adaptations

• there are many adaptations of plants in polar regions. the size and structure of the plants make survival possible. small plants and shallow root systems compensate for the thin layer of soil, and small leaves minimize the amount of water lost through the leaf surface
• plants have also adapted to the long winters and short, intense polar summers. many arctic species can grow under a layer of snow and almost all polar plants can photosynthesise in extremely cold temperatures
• during the short polar summer, plants use the long hours of sunlight to quickly develop and produce flowers and seeds
• some flowers are cup shaped and direct the sun's rays toward the centre of the flower
• dark coloured plants absorb more of the suns energy
• some plants do not produce seeds at all, reproducing asexually through root growth
• adaptations of a sulphur butter cup:

  • cup shaped - means that the suns rays are directed toward the centre of the flower
  • endangered species as they only survive in the summer and in damp conditions
  • very similar to snow buttercups
  • in clusters t protect from harsh, freezing conditions
• adaptations of dryas:

  • taking the nitrogen from the atmosphere the plants store it on their roots in nodules
  • often has 8 white petals
  • centre stamens are bright yellow, tracks the sun
  • this species prefers alkaline (high pH) soil types
• adaptations of bearberry:

  • low growing evergreen
  • leathery leaves and silky head - provide protection from the cold and wind
  • small silky hairs to keep it warm
  • grows slowly so it can stay out of the cold
  • very common
• grows close to the ground - reduce damage caused by wind and ice particles
• small leaves - conserve water which can be lost through the leaf surface
• shallow root systems - allows the plant to grow in the active layer and avoid the permafrost
• grow in close proximity to one another - each plant acts as a barrier for others for the wind and ice particles
• stem, buds and leaves are covered in small hairs - creates a layer of insulation for protection against cold temperatures
• can photosynthesise in extremely cold weather conditions - allows the plants to store energy despite a lack of sunlight for large parts of the year
• develop and produce seeds in a relative short time - allows for germination to be possible in a small favourable climatic window of time
• ability to survive on bare rock - survival of a species where soil does not exist
• adaptations of polar bears:

  • fur on the soles of the feet - better grip on ice and for insulation
  • large body - gives a small surface area to volume ratio. therefore this reduces heat losses
  • large feet - spreads the load on snow and ice
  • sharp claws and teeth - catching and eating prey
  • small ears - reduces heat losses
  • strong legs - for swimming and running which helps them catch their prey
  • thick layer of blubber - insulation and a store of energy
  • thick layer of white fur - insulation against the cold, and for camouflage
• adaptations of grey seals:

  • streamlined - to move through the water with a minimum amount of resistance
  • encased with blubber - smooth outline so reduces drag and insulates seal in polar conditions
  • large eyes - flattened corneas and pupils that can open wide to let light in
  • the little fur they have protects them from cold and wet
  • diving - the seal propels itself through the water by a fish like lashing of the two hind flippers with toes spread in a web
• arctic foxes adaptations:

  • thick furs on the paws - insulates them from snow and ice and to provide grip on slippery surfaces
  • fur on the tail - provides extra insulation when needed
  • thick, camouflaged seasonal fur - allows foxes to be camouflaged against the different seasonal environments
• penguins adaptations:

  • webbed feet - for powerful swimming
  • wings shaped like flippers - help them to fly underwater
  • thick skin and blubber - to keep warm and keep high body temperatures to remain active
  • heavy solid bones - act like a weight belt to provide waterproofing and warmth