|Tundra Animals.net, a website of The Animal Spot, is a reference to some of the
animals that can be found in the tundra. Tundra is described as an area where
levels of subsoil beneath the surface of the earth are permanently frozen. This soil is
referred to as permafrost. The level of earth above the permafrost will thaw in the
short summer allowing plants to grow. This level will then freeze again in the winter
and most of the plants will go dormant. The permafrost makes it difficult or
impossible for trees to root down into the ground, so one of the characteristics of
tundra is that it is often treeless and the land appears barren. Another characteristic
of tundra is that it, like deserts, receives little precipitation. Tundra will also reach
extremely frigid temperatures, especially in the winter when it receives little to no
sunlight. Tundra has two variations, Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra. Arctic Tundra
can be found near or north of the Arctic circle around the north pole.* Alpine Tundra
can be found at various latitudes on earth but is located at high altitudes on
mountains where trees do not grow.
Animals that live in the tundra have special adaptations that allow them to survive the
extreme temperatures and conditions that are present in a tundra. A good example
of an animal with special adaptations is the Arctic Fox. The 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. There is a low amount of biodiversity in the tundra so fluctuations in
one animal population will effect populations in another. An example of this would be
that if in a certain year there is a lower amount of Lemmings than usual, then the
population of Snowy Owls, who feed mostly on Lemmings, will also decrease.
There are several threats to the populations of animals that live in the tundra. Mining
and oil drilling are increasing habitat loss, as well as human habitations moving
farther north. Global warming could be one of the largest threats to this ecosystem.
As global warming melts more of the permafrost soil the very delicate balance of
plant and animal life in the tundra is threatened.
At The Animal Spot we are always adding new animals and information so please
stop by and see what's new. We also hope that you will check out our other
websites, RainforestAnimals.net and DesertAnimals.net for great information about
animals of the rainforest and desert. Thank you for visiting and we hope you enjoy
our reference to tundra animals.