Tundra Biome with MCQs

Tundra Biome

Tundra comes from the Finnish word Tunturi, meaning treeless plain.

The tundra is the coldest of all the biomes. The last biome is seen before reaching the polar ice-caps in the arctic tundra, a vast treeless area surrounding the Arctic Ocean.

It is utilized to describe types of vegetation in treeless high latitudes between taiga and polar ice caps, and at high altitudes.

The two significant nutrients are nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen is created by biological fixation, and phosphorus is created by precipitation.

Geographical Distribution

The tundra climate is found as a nearly unbroken ribbon of land on the Arctic Ocean borderlands of North America and Eurasia, and along the margins of Greenland. Though almost special to the Northern Hemisphere, it can be found on the peninsular land of Antarctica.

The climate of Tundra Biome

The tundra is the coldest and driest of all the biomes in the world. There is very little rainfall in the tundra; it rains less than 10 inches a year. Winters here are long, and summer seasons are short, often they last for only 6- 10 weeks. In the winter the temperature level can reach -50 ° F ( -45.5 ° C). And we think our winters are bad! Because the tundra is so close to the North Pole, summer season days are 24 hr. long.

Summertime temperature levels seldom get above 50 ° F (10° C), just enough to thaw the surface of the ground. What a location for a summer-season getaway. In the summer season, the soil becomes soaked from melted snow and rain. The wetness sinks into the ground, which is called permafrost.

The permafrost lies six inches below the ground and is frozen for most of the year. The leading layer of the permafrost defrosts; however, the bottom layer of gravel and finer material remains frozen all year which keeps moisture from the rain on the surface of the ground.

Plant and animal life:

The ground is carpeted with little perennial flowers and dwarf willows no greater than a few centimeters tall often with big lichen called reindeer moss. The standing pools provide an outstanding mosquito environment. The mosquitoes and other bugs supply food for various birds (ducks and geese) the majority of which migrate a far away to nest and raise their young throughout the brief summer season banquet. The tundra plant life supports lemmings, which are eaten by wolves, snowy owls, arctic foxes, and even grizzly bears.

Tundra is separated into two types:

  • Arctic tundra
  • Alpine tundra
1. Arctic tundra

Arctic tundra lies in the northern hemisphere, surrounding the north pole and extending south to the coniferous forests of the taiga. The Arctic is known for its cold, desert-like conditions. The growing season ranges from 50 to 60 days. The average winter temperature level is -34 ° C ( -30 ° F), but the average summertime temperature level is 3-12 ° C (37-54 ° F) which enables this biome to sustain life. Rain might differ in various regions of the Arctic.

Annual precipitation, consisting of melting snow, is 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches). Soil is formed gradually. A layer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost exists, consisting mostly of gravel and finer material. When water saturates the upper surface area, bogs and ponds might form, offering wetness for plants. There are no deep root systems in the plants of the arctic tundra, nevertheless, there are still a variety of plants that can withstand the cold environment. There is about 1,700 types of plants in the Arctic and subarctic, and these consist of:

  • low shrubs, sedges, reindeer mosses, liverworts, and grasses
  • 400 varieties of flowers
  • crustose and foliose lichen
Further Reading:  Zoogeographical Realms

Arctic-tundra

All of the plants are adapted to sweeping winds and disruptions of the soil. Plants are short and group together to withstand the cold temperature levels and are protected by the snow during the winter. They can perform photosynthesis at low-temperature levels and low light intensities.

Animals are adapted to deal with long, cold winters and to reproduce and raise young rapidly in the summer. Animals such as mammals and birds likewise have additional insulation from fat. Lots of animals hibernate throughout the winter since food is not abundant. Another option is to move south in the winter as birds do.

2. Alpine tundra

Alpine tundra is located on mountains throughout the world at high elevations where trees can not grow. The growing season is roughly 180 days. The nighttime temperature level is usually below freezing. Unlike the arctic tundra, the soil in the alpine is well-drained. The plants are extremely comparable to those of the arctic ones and consist of:

yards, dwarf trees, small-leafed shrubs, and heaths

Animals living in the alpine tundra are likewise well adapted:

Mammals: pikas, marmots, mountain goats, sheep, elk

Birds: grouse like birds

Insects: springtails, beetles, grasshoppers, butterflies

Alpine-tundra

Human Effect on Tundra Biome

Human impact on the tundra has generally not been a positive one. Because the tundra is such a delicate environment, even the slightest change in conditions can threaten the entire biome. Current human activities have mostly weakened the habitat of indigenous wildlife through contamination and overdevelopment.

  • Global warming will continue to have an inescapable effect on the tundra, the world’s most delicate biome. Rising temperatures will melt glaciers and permafrost, flood the surrounding areas, and kill the delicate plant types.
  • Oil drilling pollutes the water, land, and air surrounding the tundra. Russia’s nickel mines operation is a vivid example of the impact that oil drilling can have on the environment. Many plants and animals have either been eliminated or have completely left the area after the location became polluted by the hazardous gases and products released during drilling.

human-effect-2

  • Structure roadways and buildings in the tundra have actually brought in much more human traffic to a location where merely stepping on the delicate plant species can eliminate them. Without plants to include the soil, the earth rapidly erodes and threatens to ruin the entire biome.
  • Air contamination results in the release of chlorofluorocarbons, which deplete the ozone layer and expose the tundra to hazardous ultraviolet rays. Contamination particles, gathering in thick clouds, can also be soaked up by plant life, polluting the food source for animals in the region.

MCQs with Answers: Tundra Biome

  1. What does the word “Tundra” originate from?
    • a) Tropical
    • b) Treetop
    • c) Treeless plain
    • d) Terrain

    Answer: c) Treeless plain

  2. Where is the tundra biome typically located before reaching the polar ice-caps?
    • a) Taiga
    • b) Sahara
    • c) Arctic
    • d) Rainforest

    Answer: c) Arctic

  3. Which two significant nutrients are found in the tundra biome?

    Answer: b) Nitrogen and Phosphorus

  4. What is the primary characteristic of the tundra climate?
    • a) Hot and humid
    • b) Cold and dry
    • c) Warm and rainy
    • d) Moderate temperatures year-round

    Answer: b) Cold and dry

  5. How long is the summer season in the tundra biome?
    • a) 2-4 weeks
    • b) 6-10 weeks
    • c) 12-16 weeks
    • d) Year-round

    Answer: b) 6-10 weeks

  6. What is the temperature range in the winter in the tundra biome?
    • a) 0 to 10 °C
    • b) -10 to 0 °C
    • c) -30 to -20 °C
    • d) -50 to -40 °C

    Answer: d) -50 to -40 °C

  7. What is the significance of permafrost in the tundra soil?
    • a) It promotes plant growth
    • b) It prevents water saturation
    • c) It is permanently frozen subsoil
    • d) It enhances summer temperatures

    Answer: c) It is permanently frozen subsoil

  8. Which type of tundra lies in the northern hemisphere, surrounding the north pole?
    • a) Antarctic tundra
    • b) Alpine tundra
    • c) Arctic tundra
    • d) Tropical tundra

    Answer: c) Arctic tundra

  9. How many species of plants are estimated to exist in the arctic and subarctic tundra?
    • a) 500 species
    • b) 1,000 species
    • c) 1,500 species
    • d) 1,700 species

    Answer: d) 1,700 species

  10. What adaptation do tundra plants have to withstand the cold environment?
    • a) Deep root systems
    • b) Tall and isolated structures
    • c) Ability to hibernate
    • d) Short and grouped together

    Answer: d) Short and grouped together

  11. Which type of tundra is located on mountains worldwide at high elevation where trees cannot grow?
    • a) Antarctic tundra
    • b) Alpine tundra
    • c) Arctic tundra
    • d) Temperate tundra

    Answer: b) Alpine tundra

  12. How many days is the growing season in the alpine tundra approximately?
    • a) 90 days
    • b) 120 days
    • c) 180 days
    • d) 240 days

    Answer: c) 180 days

  13. What is a significant threat to the tundra biome from human activities?
    • a) Afforestation
    • b) Desertification
    • c) Pollution and overdevelopment
    • d) Soil enrichment

    Answer: c) Pollution and overdevelopment

  14. How does global warming affect the tundra biome?
    • a) Increases biodiversity
    • b) Melts glaciers and permafrost
    • c) Promotes plant growth
    • d) Reduces precipitation

    Answer: b) Melts glaciers and permafrost

  15. What impact does oil drilling have on the tundra environment?
    • a) Enhances biodiversity
    • b) Causes soil enrichment
    • c) Pollutes water, land, and air
    • d) Promotes plant growth

    Answer: c) Pollutes water, land, and air

Further Reading:  Centrioles - Structure, Functions & Centriole in Plants

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Tundra Biome

  1. What does the term “Tundra” mean, and where does it originate from?
    • Answer: Tundra originates from the Finnish word “Tunturi,” meaning treeless plain.
  2. How would you describe the geographical distribution of the tundra biome?
    • Answer: The tundra biome is primarily found as a nearly unbroken ribbon of land on the Arctic Ocean borderlands of North America and Eurasia, and along the margins of Greenland. It is also present on the peninsular land of Antarctica.
  3. What makes the climate of the tundra biome unique?
    • Answer: The tundra is the coldest and driest of all biomes. It experiences very little rainfall, long winters, short summers, and temperatures can drop as low as -50 °F (-45.5 °C).
  4. How is the soil in the tundra biome affected by permafrost?
    • Answer: Permafrost, a permanently frozen subsoil, exists six inches below the ground. While the top layer defrosts in summer, the bottom layer remains frozen, affecting moisture levels and preventing rainwater from penetrating the surface.
  5. What types of plant and animal life are commonly found in the tundra biome?
    • Answer: The ground is covered with small perennial flowers, dwarf willows, and large lichens like reindeer moss. Animals include lemmings, wolves, snowy owls, arctic foxes, and grizzly bears.
  6. How is the tundra biome classified, and what are its two main types?
    • Answer: The tundra biome is classified into Arctic tundra and Alpine tundra.
  7. Describe the characteristics of Arctic tundra and its plant life.
    • Answer: Arctic tundra, located in the northern hemisphere, has a short growing season of 50-60 days. It features low shrubs, sedges, reindeer mosses, liverworts, grasses, and approximately 400 species of flowers.
  8. What distinguishes Alpine tundra, and where is it typically located?
    • Answer: Alpine tundra is found on mountains worldwide at high elevations where trees cannot grow. It has a growing season of approximately 180 days, and its soil is well-drained.
  9. What are the significant impacts of human activities on the tundra biome?
    • Answer: Human activities such as pollution, overdevelopment, and oil drilling have negatively impacted the tundra biome. These activities threaten indigenous wildlife, lead to the melting of glaciers and permafrost due to global warming, and cause pollution that affects plants and animals.
  10. How does air pollution affect the tundra biome, and what are its consequences?
    • Answer: Air pollution releases chlorofluorocarbons, depletes the ozone layer, exposes the tundra to harmful ultraviolet rays, and contaminates the food source for animals.

 

Summary – Tundra Biome Tutorial

The Tundra Biome tutorial provides a comprehensive exploration of the coldest biome on Earth, characterized by treeless plains and unique environmental challenges. Here’s a summary of key points covered in the tutorial:

  1. Definition and Origin:
    • Tundra, originating from the Finnish word “Tunturi,” refers to a treeless plain.
    • It is the coldest biome and serves as the final landscape before reaching the polar ice-caps, surrounding the Arctic Ocean.
  2. Geographical Distribution:
    • Found as a continuous strip of land along the Arctic Ocean borders in North America and Eurasia, extending to Greenland.
    • Also present on the peninsular land of Antarctica.
  3. Climate:
    • The tundra is the coldest and driest biome globally, with minimal rainfall (less than 10 inches annually).
    • Long winters, short summers (6-10 weeks), and winter temperatures dropping to -50 °F (-45.5 °C).
    • Summer days are 24 hours long due to proximity to the North Pole.
  4. Soil and Permafrost:
    • The soil becomes saturated in summer but is underlaid by permafrost, a frozen subsoil, maintaining frozen conditions for most of the year.
  5. Plant and Animal Life:
    • Ground covered with perennial flowers, dwarf willows, and lichens like reindeer moss.
    • Supports lemmings, which are part of the food chain for wolves, snowy owls, arctic foxes, and grizzly bears.
  6. Classification:
    • Tundra is categorized into Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra.
  7. Arctic Tundra:
    • Located in the northern hemisphere, extending from the North Pole to the taiga’s coniferous forests.
    • Cold desert-like conditions, short growing season, and unique plant adaptations.
  8. Alpine Tundra:
    • Found on mountains worldwide at high elevations where trees cannot grow.
    • Differentiated by a longer growing season (approximately 180 days) and well-drained soil.
  9. Human Impact:
    • Human activities such as pollution, overdevelopment, and oil drilling have negatively affected the tundra biome.
    • Global warming poses a significant threat, causing glacier and permafrost melting.
    • Oil drilling and infrastructure development have led to pollution, driving away native plant and animal species.
  10. Consequences and Conservation:
    • The delicate nature of the tundra makes it highly vulnerable to even slight environmental changes.
    • Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting this biome from further degradation.
Further Reading:  Mitochondria - The Power House of Cell

In conclusion, the Tundra Biome tutorial highlights the distinctive features, challenges, and ecological significance of this extreme environment, emphasizing the need for responsible conservation practices to safeguard its delicate balance.