cold environments

• what is biodiversity?

  the variety of life in the world or a particular habitat
• what is permafrost?

  permanently frozen ground
• what are plant adaptations?

  shallow roots - to get nutrients from the top layer of soil

  low growing and round shaped - to provide protection against winds

  leaves are small - limits the amount of moisture lost
• what are the animal adaptions?

  well insulated by having thick fur (polar bears) or a layer of blubber (seals) to reduce the amount of energy to keep warm

  birds migrate to warmer countries

  many animals grow white coats for camouflage
• what are the opportunities in Alaska?

  mineral extraction

  energy - oil and gas ( trans Alaska oil pipeline )

  fishing

  tourism
• what are the challenges to development?

  extreme temperatures

  inaccessibility

  buildings and infrastructure
• what are the values of wilderness?

  habitats and natural ecosystems - scientists can study these
• how to protect the cold environments?

  the use of technology - modern construction methods to minimise environmental impacts

  role of governments

  international agreements

  conservation groups