Living World: Cold Environments Flashcards
(27 cards)
Where are cold environments found?
They are found in high latitudes (near the poles) and high altitudes (mountainous regions).
What are the three types of cold environments?
Polar (ice-covered all year), tundra (cold but with some summer thaw), and alpine (cold mountainous areas above the tree line).
What defines polar environments?
Extremely cold all year, temperatures well below 0°C, with very little precipitation (snowfall mainly).
What are polar soils like?
Soils are nutrient-poor and often permanently frozen, with little organic material due to low decomposition rates.
What plants grow in polar regions?
Mainly mosses and lichens; they tolerate low temperatures and poor soils.
What animals are found in the Antarctic?
Seals, penguins, whales — most wildlife is marine because there’s no food or shelter on land.
What animals are found in the Arctic?
Polar bears, Arctic foxes, caribou — more land-based wildlife than Antarctica.
Are there people in polar regions?
About 4 million people live in the Arctic; no permanent residents live in Antarctica.
What defines tundra environments?
Colder than alpine, warmer than polar — may rise above 0°C in summer; low to medium precipitation.
What is permafrost?
Permanently frozen ground, found in tundra and polar areas; thaws only at the surface during summer.
What are tundra soils like?
Nutrient-poor and thin, with permafrost below that limits root growth and drainage.
What animals live in tundra regions?
Greater biodiversity than polar: e.g. reindeer, arctic hares, wolves, owls.
What plants grow in tundra regions?
Low-growing flowering plants, mosses, lichens — adapted to short summers and shallow soils.
Do people live in tundra regions?
Yes, many indigenous and local communities live in tundra regions, though life is influenced by cold climate.
Why are cold environments fragile?
They are highly adapted to harsh climates, with low biodiversity, short food chains and slow nutrient cycling — meaning small changes can have big effects.
What is interdependence in cold environments?
All components (plants, animals, climate, soils, people) are closely linked — change to one affects the others significantly.
How are animals adapted to cold?
Thick fur or blubber, hibernation, migration — to survive extreme cold and food shortages.
How are plants adapted to cold?
Low growing and compact to resist wind, thick waxy leaves and hairy stems to reduce water loss, flowering during short summers.
What is a wilderness?
An area that is natural, untouched by significant human activity, and undeveloped.
Why are cold environments considered wilderness areas?
They are largely undisturbed by people and provide important scientific information, habitats, and climate records.
How does human development affect cold environments?
Oil spills, pollution, overfishing, habitat loss, infrastructure development, and climate change threaten fragile ecosystems.
Why is scientific research important in cold environments?
These areas are sensitive to climate change and studying them helps understand global processes and human impacts.
How is oil transported responsibly in cold environments?
Technology like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, built on stilts, avoids melting permafrost and allows animal migration.
How do governments protect cold environments?
Regulations on fishing, hunting, and development; national parks and protected areas help limit damage.
