Tundra

Abiotic Factors

The tundra is located in the northern hemisphere. In the artic tundra the temperatures range from -30 degrees in the winter and 37-54 degrees in the summer. The average rainfall, including melted snow, is 15-25 cm a year. The tundra has a layer of permafrost, permanently frozen soil. In the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the tundra climate exists.

Biotic Factors

There is not a lot of biodiversity in the tundra. The animals living in the tundra must be able to handle long, cold winters and breed their young fast. Some of the adaptaions the animals have are extra fat for warmth and being able to hibernate. Animals that exist in the tundra are caribou, wolves, polar bears, ravens, snow birds, cod, arctic bumble bees, and many others. Most of the plants are short and come together for warmth. They produce asexually because of the short amount of time in the growing season. Examples of plants are flowers, shrubs, and grasses. The abiotic factors interact by some animals eating the plants, and other animals eating other animals.