L10 + 11 Tundra region adaptations

• arctic moss adaptations:

  • the moss stores nutrients so new leaves can be made quickly next spring. the more leaves there are, the more they can photosynthesise
  • grows near to the ground which is adapted to the incredibly strong winds. it can grow underwater so is protected from the drying winds and cold, dry air of the frozen tundra
  • long life and slow growth adapt to the short growing season
• diamond leaf willow adaptations:

  • forms a pesticide to keep predators away
  • forms shallow roots to keep itself from freezing over
  • green leaves and small round twigs that are soft, slender and very flexible
  • has hairs on its stem which keeps it warm and protects the plant from the cold climate
  • short and close to the ground to protect it from the harsh winds
• caribou moss adaptations:

  • does not need much water
  • lichen produces food for the plant to grow, so less food is required to live
  • tissue is not easily damaged by the frost
  • can remain dormant for long periods of time and then begin to grow after such long periods
• labrador tree adaptations:

  • grows very low to the ground to avoid the harsh climate
  • grows silky wool on its stems to keep it warm
  • red stems use chlorophyll and solar energy to create nourishment and warm it up
• caribou adaptations:

  • compact, stocky body with a short tail and ears to avoid losing body heat
  • skinny legs - veins and arteries that run side by side, so that the heat of the arterial the blood coming from the body warms the cooler blood returning from the lower legs
  • noses with special chambers - for holding heat and moisture from their breath to warn incoming arctic air before it can chill their lungs
  • double coat- the layer next to the skin holds air and keeps them dry
  • split hooves - so they can spread apart to bear more weight without sinking into snow, also acts as paddles when swimming
• tundra swan adaptations:

  • long neck and bill - aid in their search for food
  • quick swimmers and flyers - if they spot predators nearby, they can fly away quickly or escape
  • mainly white feathers - able to blend in with their surroundings
  • able to migrate which helps when there are harsh conditions
  • adapted to eat wheat shoots, corns, grains
• tundra arctic hare adaptations:

  • fur turns white in winter - helps blend in with snow
  • fur turns brown in summer - blends in with new surroundings
  • larger hind legs and more fur on larger toes - provides additional surface area and support for walking on snow
  • front claws are long used for digging in hard packed snow
  • can reach speeds of 64km per hour