Biomes: Part 4 - Tundra continued
Biomes sub-categories continued
Antarctic tundra
Antarctic tundra circles the South Pole, at the bottom of the world. This biome is found on the continent of Antarctica and on the Antarctic Islands in the surrounding oceans.
These include South Georgia in the southern Atlantic Ocean, the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean and five island groups in the Southern Ocean, stretching into waters off New Zealand and off Australia.
Ice fields cover much of the continent of Antarctica all year round and no trees or plants grow here. But in other places like the Antarctic Peninsula and on the Antarctic Islands, ice in the top soil layer melts in summer while the permafrost below stays frozen. Flowering plants, lichens, mosses and other shrubs grow in these areas and there are algae and water plants around the rocky shorelines.
Whales, seals, penguins and other sea animals live in Antarctica. There are several species of seals and penguins, including the Leopard and Fur Seal and the King and Emperor Penguin.
Humans have brought mammals like cats and rabbits to some of the Antarctic Islands and the Royal Penguin and Antipodean Albatross live here.
The only sub-Antarctic orchid is found here also. The plants and animals of Antarctica and the Antarctic Islands are protected by the Antarctic Treaty.
Alpine tundra
Alpine tundra is found at the top of high mountains worldwide, at more than 2,400 metres (8000 feet) above sea level. Here the cold climate is caused by low air pressure, but there is no permafrost and the soil is better drained than the Arctic soil. Temperatures are higher than in Arctic or Antarctic tundra and there is more rain.
There are no trees because of the high altitude, but small shrubs grow close to the ground.
Animals and insects that live here are marmots, mountain goats, sheep, elk or moose, birds, beetles, grasshoppers and butterflies.
In winter many animals go down to the warmer slopes below.
More information about Biomes and the Environment
- The World’s Biomes
- Wildlife, Habitats and Biodiversity
- African Wildlife Foundation
- Shambala Preserve
- Earth Floor: Biomes