Biomas da Terra - Tundra

Prof. Olavo

9 Nov 202005:36

Summary

TLDRThis episode explores the Tundra biome, characterized by its vast, treeless plains with low temperatures rarely exceeding freezing. Found in polar regions like northern Canada, Sweden, and Siberia, the Tundra experiences short summers and long, cold winters with permafrost. Vegetation is dominated by mosses, lichens, and small shrubs, while fauna includes migratory species and residents like polar bears and Arctic foxes. The Arctic Tundra, the driest and coldest biome, receives minimal precipitation and has a unique 24-hour sunlight period in summer, influencing its adapted flora and fauna.

Takeaways

🌍 The Tundra biome is characterized by vast plains with low vegetation and a lack of water, typically found in Arctic regions.
🌡 The temperatures in the Tundra are consistently low, not exceeding the freezing point, and the area experiences short summers and long, cold winters.
🌳 The vegetation in the Tundra is predominantly dwarf shrubs, mosses, and lichens, with little to no large trees due to the harsh climate.
🐾 The fauna of the Tundra includes both migratory and resident species, such as polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, some of which change color with the seasons.
❄️ The Tundra experiences permafrost, where the soil remains frozen year-round, with a layer of ice beneath the surface that can be up to 600 meters thick.
🌱 The short summer season in the Tundra allows for some plant growth, despite the extreme cold, with the vegetation being mostly herbaceous.
🌑 The long winter in the Tundra lasts about 10 months, during which the vegetation is covered in ice and the temperatures are extremely low, ranging from -28 to -34 degrees Celsius.
🌦️ Precipitation in the Tundra is scarce, with annual rainfall typically between 15 to 25 cm, and the region is one of the driest and coldest on Earth.
🕊️ Migratory birds and caribou are among the species that undertake seasonal migrations, moving southward towards the Taiga as the winter approaches.
🌞 Despite the 24-hour sunlight during the summer months, the intensity of light is still low, yet sufficient for the development of the Tundra's vegetation and fauna.

Q & A

What is the Tundra biome characterized by?
-The Tundra biome is characterized by low temperatures, a lack of trees, and a landscape dominated by grasses, mosses, and lichens. It is typically found in high latitude regions.
Why is the Tundra biome called 'Tundra'?
-The term 'Tundra' comes from a Finnish word meaning 'treeless plain,' which accurately describes its treeless, flat landscape.
In which regions can the Tundra biome be found?
-The Tundra biome is mainly found in the Arctic regions, including parts of Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Siberia.
What is the significance of the short summer season in the Tundra?
-During the short summer season, which lasts approximately two months, the vegetation in the Tundra flourishes, and this is also the time when migratory species are present.
What types of vegetation are commonly found in the Tundra?
-The Tundra is dominated by low-lying vegetation such as grasses, mosses, and lichens, with some areas also featuring small shrubs.
How does the long winter season affect the Tundra biome?
-The long winter season, which lasts about 10 months, causes the vegetation to be covered in ice, and the temperatures drop significantly, affecting the survival and activity of the fauna.
What is the permafrost, and how does it impact the Tundra?
-Permafrost is a layer of soil that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, and it significantly impacts the Tundra by creating a barrier that prevents water drainage and limits the growth of vegetation.
What are some animal species that are adapted to the Tundra's harsh conditions?
-Animals such as the polar bear, reindeer, Arctic fox, and lemmings are adapted to the Tundra's cold environment, with some changing their fur color to blend with the seasons.
How does the Tundra's climate affect its precipitation levels?
-The Tundra is one of the driest and coldest biomes on Earth, with annual precipitation levels ranging from about 15 to 25 cm, mostly in the form of snow.
What are some adaptations that Tundra animals have for survival during the winter?
-Tundra animals have various adaptations for survival, such as hibernation, migration, and changing fur color to match the environment. Some species also fluctuate in population numbers to cope with the harsh conditions.
What is the significance of the 24-hour sunlight during the Tundra's summer?
-Despite the continuous sunlight, the intensity is still low, but it is sufficient for the growth of vegetation and the activity of fauna during the brief summer season.

Outlines

00:00

🌨️ Tundra Biome Overview

The first paragraph introduces the Tundra biome, characterized by its vast plains, lack of water, and low temperatures that rarely exceed freezing. It is primarily found in Arctic regions, including parts of Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Siberia. The vegetation is predominantly low-lying, with mosses, lichens, and associations between green algae and fungi. Trees are scarce in this ecosystem. The Tundra experiences two main seasons: a short summer with brief periods of lush vegetation and a long, harsh winter with temperatures dropping to around -28 to -34 degrees Celsius. The soil remains frozen most of the year with a layer known as permafrost. Despite the extreme conditions, the Tundra supports a unique fauna, including migratory species and residents like the polar bear, musk ox, and Arctic fox, which changes its fur color with the seasons.

05:02

🐐 Alpine Tundra and Mountain Fauna

The second paragraph discusses the Alpine Tundra, which shares similar vegetation with the Tundra but is found at high altitudes. It mentions the presence of certain animals like mountain goats, alces (elk), and chamois. The paragraph concludes by signaling the end of the episode and inviting viewers to join for the next chapter, highlighting the educational nature of the content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Tundra

The Tundra is a biome characterized by its cold, dry climate and treeless landscape. It is typically found in the Arctic regions. In the video, the Tundra is described as having low temperatures that rarely exceed freezing, and it is covered by a layer of snow for most of the year. The script mentions places like Orlândia, northern Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Siberia as examples of where Tundra can be found.

💡Permafrost

Permafrost refers to ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. It is a significant feature of the Tundra biome. The script explains that the soil in the Arctic Tundra remains covered with snow for most of the year, and there is a layer of ice, or permafrost, beneath the soil that can be up to 600 meters thick. This permafrost affects the drainage and vegetation of the area.

💡Vegetation

Vegetation in the Tundra is predominantly low-lying, consisting of mosses, lichens, and small shrubs. The video script describes the vegetation as being limited due to the harsh climate, with the dominant plants being mosses, lichens, and some small, hardy shrubs. This type of vegetation is adapted to the cold and nutrient-poor soils of the Tundra.

💡Fauna

Fauna refers to the animals that inhabit a particular region or environment. The video discusses the fauna of the Tundra, which includes both resident and migratory species. Examples given in the script are polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes. These animals have adapted to the extreme cold and the limited resources available in the Tundra.

💡Migratory Species

Migratory species are those that move from one region to another in a regular, seasonal pattern. The script mentions that the Tundra's fauna is characterized by migratory species, such as birds and reindeer, which move southward towards the Taiga as the winter approaches. This migration is a survival strategy to find more favorable conditions and food sources.

💡Taiga

The Taiga, also known as the boreal forest, is a biome that transitions from the Tundra to more temperate regions. The video script refers to the Taiga as a destination for migratory species from the Tundra during the winter. The Taiga is characterized by coniferous forests and has a more diverse flora and fauna compared to the Tundra.

💡Climate

The climate of the Tundra is described in the video as being extremely cold, with short summers and long, harsh winters. The script specifies that the average temperature does not exceed freezing, and during the winter, it can drop to as low as -34 degrees Celsius. This climate significantly influences the types of vegetation and fauna that can survive in the Tundra.

💡Precipitation

Precipitation in the Tundra is minimal, as mentioned in the script, with annual rainfall ranging from about 15 to 25 cm. This low level of precipitation, combined with the cold temperatures, contributes to the dryness of the Tundra environment, despite the presence of permafrost and the wet appearance of the soil during the summer.

💡Decomposition

Decomposition in the Tundra is slow due to the cold temperatures and the presence of permafrost. The script explains that the Tundra has simple decomposition processes, which means that organic matter breaks down at a much slower rate than in warmer climates. This affects the nutrient cycling and the overall productivity of the ecosystem.

💡Arctic Fox

The Arctic Fox is highlighted in the script as a curious animal that changes its fur color with the seasons. It is an example of an animal that has adapted to the extreme conditions of the Tundra. The fox's fur turns a more brownish color during the warmer months and becomes white during the winter, providing camouflage in the snow.

💡Reindeer

Reindeer, also known as caribou in North America, are mentioned in the script as part of the Tundra's fauna. They are well-adapted to the cold and are important for the indigenous people of the Arctic regions. The script notes that reindeer are migratory, moving in large herds to find food and avoid the harshest conditions of the Tundra.

Highlights

Introduction to the Tundra biome, characterized by vast plains with low vegetation and absence of water.

Tundra biome is found in Arctic regions, including areas in Northern Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Siberia.

Vegetation in the Tundra is predominantly low-lying, with mosses, lichens, and associations of green algae and fungi.

The Tundra has two main seasons: a short summer and a long, cold winter lasting approximately 10 months.

Summer in the Tundra is characterized by brief periods of lush vegetation due to warmer temperatures.

Winter temperatures in the Tundra can drop to as low as -28 to -34 degrees Celsius.

Tundra soil remains frozen year-round, with a layer of ice known as permafrost that can be up to 600 meters thick.

The Tundra is the driest and coldest biome on Earth, with annual precipitation around 15 to 25 cm.

The Tundra supports a unique fauna, including migratory species and those that adapt to the extreme cold.

Animals such as the polar bear, reindeer, and Arctic fox are characteristic of the Tundra biome.

Some animals, like the Arctic fox, change their fur color to adapt to the seasons.

The Tundra experiences 24-hour daylight during the summer, albeit with low light intensity.

The soil in the Tundra is poorly drained and often appears wet and waterlogged during the summer.

Migratory species in the Tundra move southward during winter, primarily towards the Taiga biome.

The Taiga biome, adjacent to the Tundra, has similar vegetation but also features some trees and shrubs.

Fauna of the Taiga includes mountain goats, alces, and caribou, which are adapted to the cold climate.

The episode concludes with a teaser for the next chapter, promising more exploration of Earth's biomes.