Tundra ecosystems are special places on Earth with some unique features. Let’s break it down:

Where Are They?

• Tundras are mostly found in very cold areas, like the Arctic and high mountain regions. They cover about one-fifth of all the land on our planet.

What’s the Weather Like?

• The temperatures are very cold in winter, going down to about -34°C. In summer, it can get as warm as +12°C.
• Tundras don’t get much rainfall. They usually receive between 150 to 250 millimeters of precipitation each year.

Cool Features:

• Permafrost: This is soil that stays frozen all the time. It makes it hard for plants to grow their roots deep.
• Short Growing Season: Plants have a small window to grow, usually only about 50 to 60 days, because frost can come back quickly.

Plants and Animals:

• Plants: You’ll find low shrubs, mosses, and lichens here. For example, the Arctic willow is one type of plant that grows in the tundra.
• Animals: Creatures like caribou and snowshoe hares live in these conditions. They have special ways to survive the extreme cold and the times when food is hard to find.

In summary, tundra ecosystems are fascinating, cold places filled with unique plants and animals that have learned to adapt to their environment!