Cold environments

• Describe the difference between polar and tundra regions climate

  Polar- most extreme cold environment. Below freezing all year, can go below -50 degrees, low precipitation and dark winters

  Tundra- borders the polar regions, less extreme, more precipitation, temperatures can reach above freezing in summer
• Describe the difference in polar and tundra soil

  Polar- non existent soil, bare rock, frozen = permafrost

  Tundra- in summer active layer allows thin, not very fertile soil- but allows plants to grow. waterlogged during summer due to melted ice
• Describe some plant adaptions

  shallow root systems- to access nutrients in the thin active layer

  low growing like cushions- to retain moisture and shield from the wind

  artic willow- grow in clusters to retain heat

  mosses- can cope with waterlogged conditions and drought

  flowering plants- flower and seed quickly
• Describe how the bearberry is adapted

  Small leathery leaves to retain moisture

  Bright berries to attract animals to disperse seeds

  Thick hairy stems to retain heat
• Describe some animal adaptations

  White fur- camouflage and warmth

  Variety of food eaten

  Layers of fur and thick layer of fat - insulation

  Black skin under fur- retain heat

  Wide hooves- stability in ice and to propel them