Unit 6a Notes Flashcards
(47 cards)
What is the world’s youngest Biome?
10,000 years ago - Covers 20% of the Earth’s surface.
Where are Tundra Biomes found?
60-75 degrees North.
Which countries are Tundra biomes found in?
Alaska, Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland.
What is the average temperature in the Arctic Tundra in summer?
3-12 degrees.
What is annual precipitation in the Arctic Tundra?
150-200mm - 1/3 of London’s annual rainfall.
What is a key characteristic of the soil in Tundra?
Permafrost.
What is an example of a Tundra environment?
Broughton Island - 67 degrees N.
What is the characteristic of Arctic Tundra soil?
Frozen - Gelisols. They freeze and thaw a lot, making soil heave and buckle. Low soil temperatures reduce decomposition of organic materials.
Why are Arctic Tundra regions cold and dry?
Permafrost acts as an impermeable layer under thin Tundra soil, traps moisture close to the surface. Cold - less solar radiation - higher latitude.
Why can’t Gelisols support significant amounts of vegetation?
Freezing and thawing throughout the year means physical changes in the soil. Organic matter accumulates, decomposition is very slow, and stores large amounts of carbon. Nutrients are heavily leached.
What is the profile of Gelisols?
Thick layer of dead organic matter, permafrost means permanently frozen ground.
What are the examples of Arctic Tundra plants?
Cotton Grass, Arctic Moss, Dwarf willow.
Which features does Cotton grass have, which makes it easier to survive?
Low lying, seeds scatter in the wind, narrow leaves reducing transpiration, adapted to a short growing season, dense flowerheads, reducing heat loss.
Which adaptations does Arctic Moss have, to survive?
Grows close to ground to protect it from strong winds, many small leaves to maximise photosynthesis, reproduce by growing shoots, slow growing.
Which adaptations do Dwarf willow have, to survive?
Only grow to a maximum height of 30cm, often grow horizontally instead of vertically. Short growing season, low soil nutrient levels.
How do plants growing low to the ground help them in Tundra environments?
Allows them to absorb more heat from the sun. Sun warms the soil.
How do hairs on plants help them in Tundra environments?
Insulating layer of warm air.
How many species of mammals are there in the Tundra?
48.
Why is Biodiversity low in Tundra environments?
The harsh climate and limited productivity. Biodiversity increases in summer when conditions such as sunlight increase.
Which adaptations do Caribou have which allow them to survive?
Veins and arteries that run side by side. Short ears avoid losing body heat. Split hooves spread apart to bear more weight without sinking into snow. 2 layers of fur. Short tail - avoids losing body heat. Compact body.
Which adaptations do Arctic Foxes have, allowing them to survive?
Low SA/ Volume ratio. Shorter legs, less surface area, less area for heat to escape. Thick camouflaged fur - highly insulating. Summer - thinner dark grey. Thick fur on paws. Thick fur on tail.
How are Tundra environments interdependent?
The environment is fragile, animals and people can only live in low densities. There’s a delicate balance between harsh climate, permafrost, and soils.
What are the examples of producers in a Tundra environment?
Liverwort, Grass, Caribou Moss, Lichen.
What are the examples of Primary Consumers in a Tundra environment?
Pika, Musk Ox, Caribou, Lemming, Arctic Hare.
