Siberian Tundra

1. Siberian Tundra Created by: James Velotta

2. Global Location and Climatic Conditions • The tundra is located at the top of the northern hemisphere in Europe, Asia and North America. • It covers 20% of the earth's surface just below the polar cap. • Winter is around-40 degrees Fahrenheit. • Summers are cool with temperatures of 37 degrees to 54 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Siberian Tundra Flora • Plants include fungus, grasses and shrubs growing low to the ground to be protected from the wind and the cold. • They group together to keep warm. • Plant roots spread out on the surface to take in water. They don't grow deep because the soil is always freezing and thawing which breaks up roots. • Another of their adaptations to the cold climate is tiny hairs on their leaves to help keep in moisture.

4. Siberian Tundra Fauna • Animals Consist of Polar Bears, Caribou, Arctic fox, Arctic Hare, Snowy Owl and Musk Ox. • Arctic Fox has short ears and a short, round body with a thick coat to minimize the amount of skin exposed to the frigid air. • Polar Bears have a coat and skin that are adapted to absorb sunlight and retain heat.  Like many animals of the tundra, Polar Bears have short ears to minimize heat loss.      • Their teeth and claws are very sharp so they can catch their prey easily (seal).

5. Value of Siberien Tundra • The Tundra holds many special species that can be found no other place in the world. • More people have recently been moving to the tundra to work in the mines and oil industry. • Permafrost has the ability to preserve plants and animals in the cold ice for long periods of time. • Scientists can use the permafrost as a record of the past to learn about climate.