Natural Regions (Arctic tundra)

Question 1

3 examples of Arctic tundra

Answer 1

Northern Canada
Alaska
Siberia

Question 2

Why is it so cold here?

Answer 2

1. More atmosphere to pass through
2. The curve of the earth means that heat is spread out over a much larger surface at the poles
3. White surfaces reflect more heat
4. Its very dry

Question 3

In the summer..

Answer 3

Top layer of permafrost melts creating a boggy marsh called ‘muskeg’

Question 4

Tundra plant adaptations (6)

Answer 4

1. Low to the ground (wind chill)
2. Flower quickly
3. Natural antifreeze
4. Thick but shallow roots
5. Fine hairs
6. Dark coloured leaves

Question 5

Tundra animal adaptations (4)

Answer 5

1. Blending into landscape
2. Surviving winter by living under the snow
3. Thick double layers of fur
4. Dark hair

Question 6

Examples of blending into landscape

Answer 6

Ptarmigan, Arctic fox and the Arctic hare turn white in winter and brown/grey in summer

Question 7

Polar bear adaptations (4)

Answer 7

1. Thick white fur - Blends in and stays warm
2. Sandpaper Paws helps them grip ice
3. Strong legs - Strong swimmers
4. Excellent sense of smell to find prey

Question 8

Example of a tribe of the tundra

Answer 8

Inuit (North America)

Question 9

4 Changes in the ways of life for the tribes

Answer 9

Housing
Clothing
Transport
Hunting

Question 10

Changes in ways of life for tribes:
Housing

Answer 10

Temporary tents and snow igloos – Permanent wooden housing with electricity and sewage

Question 11

Changes in ways of life for tribes:
Hunting

Answer 11

Harpoons and spears – Rifles (can shoot from distance)

Question 12

Changes in ways of life for tribes:
Clothing

Answer 12

Animal skin, ‘Parkas’ – Gore-tex and other modern materials

Question 13

Changes in ways of life for tribes:
Transport

Answer 13

Sledges pulled by dogs – mobilised snow mobiles/ice trucks

Question 14

Problems the new way of life solved (4)

Answer 14

1. Cold – Triple glazed windows
2. Melting top layer can cause roads and buildings to collapse – building houses on stilts
3. Car engines freeze overnight – cars plugged into heaters
4. Can’t attract workers – high wages and entertainment

Question 15

What threats is the tundra facing? (8)

Answer 15

1. Oil exploration
2. Global warming
3. Over-hunting
4. Heat from buildings
5. Tourism disturbing wildlife
6. Air pollution
7. Tribal knowledge being lost
8. Tribes exposed to modern problems like drugs and alcohol

Question 16

Why is oil exploration a threat?

Answer 16

Oil spills are harmful to nature and drilling can disturb wildlife

Question 17

Why is over-hunting a threat?

Answer 17

Causes species to become endangered and ruins ecosystem/foodchain

Question 18

Why is Global warming a threat?

Answer 18

Melts permafrost and destroys ecosystem and habitats

Question 19

Why is air pollution (from else where) a threat?

Answer 19

Harms nature

Question 20

Why is heat from buildings a threat?

Answer 20

Melts permafrost, polar bears cant hunt

Question 21

Why is irrisponsible tourism a threat?

Answer 21

Changes animal behaviour patterns

Question 22

Pipeline features (6)

Answer 22

1. Flexible so it wont break in an earthquake
2. Stilts allow caribou to migrate
3. Supports go deep underground so it wont collapse when snow melts in summer
4. Bulletproof to avoid damage from vandals/hunters
5. Controlled in sections to isolate leaks
6. Insulation stops oil from freezing

Question 23

What can be done to help the tundra? (4)

Answer 23

1. Conservation areas
2. Heat sensors for oil drillers
3. Promoting ‘eco-tourism’
   4.Local authorities more closely monitor tourist organisations