What Are Tundras? | National Geographic

Summary

Tundras are among Earth's coldest and harshest biomes, characterized by treeless landscapes, extreme cold, and low rainfall. There are two main types: alpine tundras, found at high mountain altitudes where trees cannot grow, and arctic tundras, stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the taiga forests. Alpine tundras support wildlife like mountain goats, sheep, and marmots, while the arctic tundra is home to species such as polar bears, arctic foxes, and caribou. Permafrost in these regions limits plant growth but stores significant carbon, which is released due to global warming, altering ecosystems and further contributing to climate change.

Takeaways

• ❄️ Tundras are among the Earth's coldest and harshest biomes, characterized by extreme cold and low rainfall.
• 🌲 Tundras are treeless regions where environmental conditions prevent trees from growing.
• 🏔️ There are two main types of tundras: alpine tundras and arctic tundras.
• ⛰️ Alpine tundras occur at high mountain altitudes, where trees cannot grow, and have a growing season of about 180 days.
• 🐐 Wildlife in alpine tundras includes mountain goats, sheep, marmots, and birds that feed on low-lying plants and insects.
• 🌏 Arctic tundras extend from the Arctic Ocean down to the coniferous forests of the taiga.
• 🧊 Permafrost in the arctic tundra prevents trees from taking root, but shrubs and other vegetation grow during a short summer of 50–60 days.
• 🦊 Animals like arctic foxes, polar bears, and caribou inhabit the arctic tundra.
• 🌡️ Global warming is altering the arctic tundra, affecting both the landscape and the species that can survive there.
• 💨 Melting permafrost releases about 14% of Earth's carbon into the atmosphere, further contributing to global warming.

Q & A

What is a tundra?

A tundra is one of the Earth's coldest and harshest biomes, characterized by treeless regions with extreme cold and low rainfall.

What are the two main types of tundras?

The two main types of tundras are alpine tundras and arctic tundras.

Where do alpine tundras occur and why are trees unable to grow there?

Alpine tundras occur on mountains at high altitudes, where trees cannot grow due to the extreme conditions and thin soil.

What is the growing season like in alpine tundras?

The growing season in alpine tundras lasts about 180 days.

What kinds of animals are typically found in alpine tundras?

Animals such as mountain goats, sheep, marmots, and birds feed on low-lying plants and insects in alpine tundras.

How does arctic tundra differ from alpine tundra in terms of location?

Arctic tundra extends from the edge of the Arctic Ocean down to the coniferous forest of the taiga, while alpine tundras are found on mountains.

Why can't trees grow in the arctic tundra?

Trees cannot grow in the arctic tundra because the permafrost prevents their roots from taking hold.

What is the duration of summer in the arctic tundra?

The summer in the arctic tundra is very short, lasting only 50 to 60 days.

What are some examples of wildlife in the arctic tundra?

Wildlife in the arctic tundra includes arctic foxes, polar bears, and caribou.

How does global warming affect the arctic tundra?

Global warming is causing permafrost to deteriorate, which alters the landscape and affects the plants and animals that can live there. Additionally, melting permafrost releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, further contributing to global warming.