Arctic Plants
In the arctic tundra, there is permafrost, soil and organic matter that is frozen year round. This, as well as the small growing season, makes it impossible for plants with large deep roots to grow (such as trees). Therefore many smaller plants with shallow roots are found in the arctic tundra. Approximately 1700 different species of plants grow in the tundra, some plants unique to this region are:
Lichen
Lichen is very common in the tundra. It is made up of fungi and algae. Lichen is particularly interesting because it can grow on surfaces without soil such as a rock face.
Arctic willow
A small shrub, only about 4 inches, that is eaten by caribou, musk oxen and arctic hares.
Arctic poppy
A plant no more than 15cm tall, that has one flower per stem. The flower follows the sun as the petals absorb energy from sunlight.
Bearberry
This plant has leather like leaves and silky hairs to protect it from the cold. The name was given to it because bears like to it the berries.
Purple saxifrage.
This plant only grows in the tundra. It is low growing, grows in clumps, and is one of the first plants to bloom.
Lichen
Lichen is very common in the tundra. It is made up of fungi and algae. Lichen is particularly interesting because it can grow on surfaces without soil such as a rock face.
Arctic willow
A small shrub, only about 4 inches, that is eaten by caribou, musk oxen and arctic hares.
Arctic poppy
A plant no more than 15cm tall, that has one flower per stem. The flower follows the sun as the petals absorb energy from sunlight.
Bearberry
This plant has leather like leaves and silky hairs to protect it from the cold. The name was given to it because bears like to it the berries.
Purple saxifrage.
This plant only grows in the tundra. It is low growing, grows in clumps, and is one of the first plants to bloom.
Invasive species
An invasive species is a non-native species that causes environmental harm.
An example of an invasive species in the tundra is the Bird Vetch. This plant, originally from Asia and Europe, is harmful to the region because it can absorb large amounts of water, leaving little for the native species to absorb. As a result, the native plants are dying more, while the Bird Vetch population increases. Another example of an invasive species is the purple loose strife. This plant was brought to North America by settlers for their flower beds. This species flourished in the new environment and has spread across much of Canada and the United States. The purple loose strife can survive in many different environments and it is an aggressive invader, therefore it is a real problem in the arctic as it has invaded land that typically provides nourishment for native plants. |
Plant adaptations
Due to the cold temperatures and harsh winds, plants in the tundra need to be able to tolerate chilly temperatures. Therefore many plant adaptations in the tundra are related to temperature.
The bearberry is an example of a plant with adaptations to better survive in the tundra. The bearberry has leather like leaves and silky hairs that keep the plant warm, it also grows low to the ground, helping to avoid the wind. All of these adaptations benefit the plant because it is able to stay warm, therefore being able to survive long enough to reproduce. Adaptations such as these occur over many years, as the plants without advantages to the environment died and were unable to reproduce, while the plants with leathery leaves and silky hairs were the ones that would survive and reproduce. Moss campion has adapted very well to survive in the arctic tundra, growing no more than 15 cm tall to stay out of the wind. The plant also has very small leaves so that not too much of the plant is exposed to the cold breeze. The moss also grows in a cushion like shape so that it will not dry out from the cold winds. All of these adaptations benefit the plant in this environment as they help the plant stay warm. Many more plants in the tundra have adaptations that are similar to these. Due to the cold temperatures, wind and permafrost, plants have adapted by having shorter roots, growing close to the ground and growing in clumps together to stay warm. Some plants, such as the bearberry, have silky hairs on the stem as well. Other flowers, like the arctic poppy, orient their flowers to face the sun at all times as to absorb more heat. One particularly interesting adaption is that some plants are able to carry out photosynthesis in extremely cold temperatures, something that most plants are unable to do efficiently. |
Pyramid of Energy |
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A pyramid of energy shows the flow of energy in an ecosystem. The producers have the largest population, each proceeding trophic level's population is reduced by 90%. (Trophic level refers to the position in the food chain) The producers absorb energy from the sun and produce carbohydrates. The primary consumers feed on the producers. Secondary consumers feed on primary consumers. Tertiary consumers feed on the secondary consumers.
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Symbiosis in the Tundra
There are many symbiotic relationships present in the tundra. For example lichen, is actually made of a fungus and green algae. Algae produces energy for itself and the fungus through photosynthesis, and the fungus can absorb and store water for the two plants. The two help each other survive so much so that independent survival is not an option. This is an example of mutualism.
Another symbiotic relationship that is unique to the tundra is between the caribou and arctic fox. The caribou often dig up soil and search under the snow in search of lichen, grass and small shrubs. Conveniently, the arctic fox feeds on small insects which is just a bit further under the soil, so once the caribou are done eating, the fox will come along and dig farther down to eat. This is an example of commensalism as the caribou are unaffected and the arctic fox is benefited. |
Species at Risk
One of the endangered plant species in the tundra is the Aleutian shield fern. This species can only grow in very specific places under certain growing factors, such as elevation, temperature and wind. Threats to the fern include caribou tramping and grazing. The aleutian shield fern is extremely rare and has only been found on a few islands in Alaska.
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Page by Josh Caldwell