Tundra: Alpine vs. Arctic

presented by Lauren Friedman, Joanna Ferguson, Lawral Wornek, and Carol Griffin for Bio 103

Tundra: a treeless area between the icecap and the treeline of arctic regions having a permanently frozen subsoil and supporting low-growing vegetations such as lichen, mosses, and stunted shrubs. (from Dictionary.com)

General Characteristics of the Tundra

A phenomenon of permanently-frozen subsoil known as the "permafrost."
Extremely low temperatures.
Low biotic diversity.
Simply-structured vegetation.
Limited soil drainage.
Short season for growth and reproduction (of both flora and fauna).
The majority of the energy and nutrients found in the area are in the form of dead organic material.
Constant immigration and migration of fauna accounts for a continually vascillating animal population.
Nitrogen and phosphorous are the most prominent elements.

.	Arctic	Alpine
General	Only found in Northern Hemisphere. Summer high temperature is 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Average winter temperature is -30 degrees Fahrenheit. (brr!)	Found on mountains throughout the globe, beyond the treeline. The growing season is 180 days. Nighttime temperatures are always below freezing.
Flora	Adapted to the sweeping winds, chronic soil disturbances, low light, and freeeeezing temperatures. Plants are often short, grouped together for warmth, and protected by the snow. Flora reproduce by budding rather than flowering. Plantlife includes low shrubs, sedges, moss, and lichen.	Alpine has well-drained soil, giving the flora a more stable foundation. Plantlife includes tussock grasses, dwarf trees, small leaf shrubs, and hedges.
Fauna	Herbivorous mammals such as lemmings, voles, and caribou. Carnivorous mammals such as foxes, wolves, and polar bears (watch out!). Migratory birds such as ravens, falcons, and terns. Insectlife includes mosquitoes, flies, moths, and grasshoppers. Fish such as cod, salmon, and trout. Cold temperatures inhibit high populations of reptiles or amphibians.	Mammals such as pika, marmot, elk, mountain goats, and sheep. Grouse-like birds as opposed to migratory birds. Insectlife includes beetles, grasshoppers, butterflies, and springtails. Cold temperatures inhibit high populations of reptiles or amphibians.

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