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| The Arctic Tundra |
The Arctic Tundra is one of the harshest and coldest biomes on earth if not the harshest. The Arctic Tundra really only has two seasons which are winter and summer. Summer lasts only about 6 to 10 weeks and is characterized by the sun being visible 24 hours a day. The Arctic Tundra has been called "the land of the midnight sun" (National Geographic, 2014). However the sun is still unable to warm up the biome hinting to the still very mild temperatures ranging from 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter on the other hand consumes the rest of the year while the temperature does not reach above 20° F and averages -20° to -30°F. “Endless hours of darkness settle in and the winds blow even harder” (National Geographic, 2014). The Arctic Tundra is known for its bare landscape, snow on the ground all year, and it’s very cold and dry climate. This harsh environment makes it very hard for the “few plants and animals that live in the harsh conditions of the tundra, which are essentially clinging to life. They are highly vulnerable to environmental stresses like reduced snow cover and warmer temperatures brought on by global warming” (National Geographic, 2014). However, with global warming changing the environment dramatically, other animals like “the red fox have moved onto the tundra. The red fox is now competing with the Arctic fox for food and territory, and the long-term impact on the sensitive Arctic fox is unknown” (National Geographic, 2014).
Reference List
- "Tundra." National Geographic. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/tundra-profile/ (accessed February 13, 2014).
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