Cold environments

What are the physical characteristics of a polar environment?

• long cold winters

• annual temperatures are mostly below freezing

• often windy

• very little precipitation

What are the physical characteristics of a tundra environment?

• extremely cold

• can get warm in the summers

• winters are long, dark, and cold,

• permafrost

What is permafrost and why is it important?

Permanently frozen ground that prevents drainage, making soils waterlogged and low in nutrients

Why is biodiversity low in cold environments?

Harsh climate and limited food mean few species can survive

How have polar bears adapted to cold environments?

They have thick fur and blubber for insulation, white fur for camouflage, and wide feet to walk on snow and ice

How have the bearberry plant adapted to cold environments?

They grow low to avoid wind, have shallow roots in frozen ground, and waxy or hairy leaves to reduce water loss and retain heat

How does the Trans-Alaska Pipeline reduce environmental damage?

It is raised and insulated to stop permafrost melting, allows animals to pass underneath, and has flexible joints to prevent damage from earthquakes