Tundra: Arctic and Alpine with Location, Flora & Fauna

The Tundra

Tundra is a unique biome characterized by its cold, dry conditions, limited precipitation, and short growing seasons. It is found in the high latitudes and at the tops of mountains, where the harsh environment limits the types of plants and animals that can survive. The tundra is known for its vast, treeless landscapes, which can seem barren at first glance, but it actually supports a variety of life adapted to its extreme conditions. There are two main types of tundra: Arctic and Alpine.

Arctic Tundra

The Arctic tundra is located in the northern hemisphere, encircling the North Pole and extending south to the taiga (boreal forest) belt. This region experiences extremely cold temperatures, particularly in the winter when it can drop below -30°C (-22°F). The summer season is short, lasting only about two months, and it is during this time that the top layer of the permanently frozen ground (permafrost) thaws, allowing plants and microorganisms to grow and reproduce.

Vegetation in the Arctic tundra is limited to low-growing plants, such as mosses, grasses, lichens, and small shrubs. These plants have adapted to the cold and the short growing season. Animal life includes migratory birds, caribou, reindeer, foxes, wolves, and polar bears, many of which have adapted to the cold and to a diet that is largely dependent on the sea or on the limited vegetation.

Alpine Tundra

Alpine tundra is found on mountains throughout the world at high altitudes where trees cannot grow. The boundary between the forest and the alpine tundra is known as the tree line or timberline. Unlike the Arctic tundra, the alpine tundra does not have permafrost, but it shares the characteristic of having a short growing season and cold temperatures, even in summer.

Vegetation in the alpine tundra is similar to that of the Arctic tundra, with plants like dwarf shrubs, grasses, mosses, and lichens. These plants are adapted to conditions such as low temperatures, dryness, and ultraviolet radiation that are more intense at high altitudes. The fauna of the alpine tundra includes mountain goats, sheep, marmots, and birds that are adapted to the rugged terrain and thin air.

Key Differences

The primary difference between Arctic and Alpine tundra is their location: Arctic tundra is found at high latitudes around the North Pole, while Alpine tundra is located at high altitudes on mountains. The Arctic tundra has permafrost, whereas the Alpine tundra generally does not due to the well-drained, rocky soil found on mountains. Additionally, while both types of tundra experience cold temperatures and short growing seasons, the specific flora and fauna in each type have adapted to their particular environments.

Major Arctic Tundra Locations:

1. North American Tundra:
   • Location: Extends across northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
   • Flora: Dominated by mosses, lichens, low shrubs (like willows and birches), and grasses.
   • Fauna: Includes caribou, Arctic foxes, polar bears, snowy owls, and various migratory birds.
2. Eurasian Tundra:
   • Location: Spans across northern Russia and Scandinavia.
   • Flora: Characterized by lichens, mosses, sedges, and dwarf shrubs.
   • Fauna: Reindeer (European name for caribou), Arctic foxes, wolves, lemmings, and migratory bird species such as geese and sandpipers.

Major Alpine Tundra Locations:

1. Rocky Mountains (North America):
   • Location: Extends through the United States and Canada.
   • Flora: Includes alpine wildflowers (like Indian paintbrush and alpine aster), grasses, mosses, and dwarf shrubs.
   • Fauna: Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, pikas, and various bird species including the ptarmigan.
2. Andes Mountains (South America):
   • Location: Runs through western South America, through countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
   • Flora: Characterized by unique plants like the Puya raimondii, various grasses, and hardy shrubs.
   • Fauna: Includes the Andean condor, llamas, alpacas, and the Andean fox.
3. Himalayas (Asia):
   • Location: Stretches across several countries including Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
   • Flora: Features rhododendrons, dwarf willows, and various alpine grasses and herbs.
   • Fauna: Snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, yak, and several bird species like the snow partridge.
4. Alps (Europe):
   • Location: Spread across eight countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia.
   • Flora: Known for its alpine meadows with flowers such as edelweiss, alpine roses, and gentians.
   • Fauna: Includes the Alpine ibex, chamois, marmots, and the golden eagle.

Flora and Fauna Adaptations:

• Arctic Tundra Flora: Plants are generally low to the ground, which helps reduce damage from ice and snow. Many have dark leaves to absorb more solar heat. Some plants also have hairy leaves or stems to trap warmth.
• Arctic Tundra Fauna: Animals often have thick fur or feathers, and some change color to white in the winter for camouflage. Fat layers and smaller extremities help reduce heat loss.
• Alpine Tundra Flora: Plants are typically low-growing to resist cold temperatures and strong winds. Many have deep root systems to anchor them in the rocky soil and to reach nutrients.
• Alpine Tundra Fauna: Animals may have larger lungs or hemoglobin variations to cope with the thin air at high altitudes. Seasonal migrations and hibernation are common strategies to deal with the cold and food scarcity.

Both Arctic and Alpine tundras are fragile ecosystems that are highly sensitive to climate change, which can alter the distribution of flora and fauna and threaten the survival of many species adapted to these unique environments.