Different types of ecosystems: Tundra ecosystem

All about tundra ecosystem its characteristics

1. Tundra Ecosystem

2. INTRODUCTION The tundra ecosystem is one of the Earth's most unique and fragile environments, characterized by extreme cold, limited vegetation, and a variety of specialized wildlife. This report provides an overview of the tundra ecosystem, its components, and its importance in the global context.

3. Tundra Ecosystem Comes from the Finnish word “ tunturi ” which means treeless plain. Noted for its frost-molded landscapes, extremely low temperatures, little precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons.

4. Characteristics Extremely cold climate Low Biotic Diversity Simple vegetation structure Limitation of drainage Short season of growth and reproduction Energy and nutrients in the form of dead organic materials

5. Two types of Tundra Ecosystem

6. Arctic tundra

7. Arctic tundra Location : Northern hemisphere, encircling the North Pole and extending to the taiga forests further south. Climate: Harsh, cold conditions with a short growing season (50-60 days). Average winter temperature: -34°C (-30°F), while summer temperatures range from 3-12°C (37-54°F).

8. Arctic tundra Precipitation: Yearly precipitation, including snowmelt, ranges from 15 to 25 cm (6-10 inches). Soil: Slow soil formation; permafrost (permanently frozen subsoil) predominates. Bogs and ponds form when water saturates the upper surface, providing moisture for plants.

9. Arctic tundra Vegetation: Low shrubs, sedges, mosses, liverworts, grasses, and around 400 flower varieties. Lichens are common. Plant Adaptations: Short stature, clustering for warmth, and resistance to cold. Photosynthesis occurs at low temperatures and light intensities. Reproduction is often asexual.

10. Arctic tundra Fauna: Diverse herbivores (lemmings, caribou), carnivores (arctic foxes, polar bears), migratory birds, insects (including mosquitoes), and fish (cod, salmon). Animal Adaptations: Adapted to harsh winters, fast breeding in summer, and often well-insulated with fat. Hibernation and migration are common strategies.

11. Alpine tundra

12. Alpine tundra Location: High mountain regions worldwide, above the tree line due to extreme altitude. Growing Season: Approximately 180 days, with nighttime temperatures often below freezing. Temperature: ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the daytime. At night time often drop below freezing with averages ranging from -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F).

13. Alpine tundra Soil: Well-drained compared to arctic tundra. Vegetation: Similar to arctic tundra with tussock grasses, dwarf trees, small-leafed shrubs, and heaths. Fauna: Well-adapted animals include mammals (pikas, marmots, mountain goats, elk), grouselike birds, and various insects (springtails, beetles, grasshoppers, butterflies).

14. Importance of Tundra Ecosystem

15. Biodiversity: Tundra support a unique set of plant and animal species that have adapted to extreme conditions. This biodiversity contributes to genetic diversity and may have implications for scientific research and potential applications in various fields. Carbon Storage: Tundra regions store vast amounts of carbon in the form of organic matter within their frozen soils. This carbon storage helps mitigate the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, making tundra ecosystems essential for global climate regulation. Climate Regulation: Tundra regions act as a natural "cooling system" for the Earth. Their highly reflective surfaces, especially when covered in snow and ice, help reflect sunlight, reducing global warming and moderating climate.

16. Water Supply: Tundra play a role in maintaining freshwater resources. The slow release of water from melting permafrost contributes to streamflow and helps feed rivers that provide water for ecosystems and human use downstream. Migration Routes: Tundra regions are often critical stopover points for migratory birds and other wildlife species during their long-distance journeys. These areas are essential for resting, feeding, and breeding. Cultural Significance: Indigenous peoples in tundra regions have deep cultural connections to the land, relying on its resources for their way of life. Traditional knowledge of these ecosystems is valuable and can provide insights into sustainable living.

17. Tourism and Education: Tundra ecosystems attract tourists interested in experiencing unique and pristine landscapes. This tourism can provide economic benefits to local communities and raise awareness about the importance of protecting these environments. Global Connectivity: Tundra ecosystems are part of the global ecological network. Changes in these regions, whether from climate change or human activities, can have far-reaching consequences, affecting ecosystems and weather patterns worldwide.

18. Vegetation

19. Fauna

20. conclusion In conclusion, the tundra ecosystem is characterized by extreme cold, a short growing season, low biodiversity, and simple vegetation structure. The two primary types of tundra are Arctic tundra and Alpine tundra. Arctic tundra is found in the northern hemisphere, encircling the north pole, with a cold, desert-like environment, while Alpine tundra occurs at high altitudes on mountains where trees cannot grow. Both tundra types are home to unique plants and animals adapted to survive in harsh, cold conditions. The tundra's ecosystem plays a vital role as it serves as a stopover point for migratory species and regulate global climate.

21. References Bliss, L. C., & Hu, F. S. (2023, September 21). Tundra | Definition, Climate, Animals, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/tundra NASA Earth Observatory. (n.d.). Tundra: Mission: Biomes. https://www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov/biome/biotundra.php Nunez, C. (2021, May 4). What are tundras ? Environment. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/tundra-biome Spencer, J. (2022). Tundra Biome - Facts, Climate & Information. Animal Corner. https://animalcorner.org/biomes/tundra/ The tundra biome. (n.d.). https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.phpTundra Biome. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/tundra- biome/

22. THANK YOU