Plants:
The Tundra is an environment with a very harsh climate. There are only two seasons: winter and summer. The temperature ranges from -70 degrees fahrenheit and 20 degrees fahrenheit. To add to the harsh growing seasons, the Tundra only gets four to six to ten inches of precipitation per year. Because of the cold temperatures and minimal water, plants have to adapt to survive. Some plants adapt to the soil by changing the way their roots are, some grow fine hairs to keep warm, and others have thick leaves to retain water.
Arctic Moss:
Arctic Willow:
The arctic willow grows on the surface of the Tundra. The arctic willow usually grows to be about fifteen to twenty centimeters in height and takes various different shapes. The arctic willow has long willowy branches that reach down to the ground and imbed themselves as roots. During its growing season, the arctic willow creates a pesticide to ward off hungry insects.
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Bearberry:
The bearberry grows on the surface of the Tundra. The bearberry usually grows to be about two to eight inches in height. Bearberry protects itself from the harsh climate of the tundra with thick, leathery leaves and fine silky hairs to provide warmth. Bearberry also grows low to the ground, so it avoids the harsh Tundra winds.
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Caribou Moss:
Cotton Grass:
Diamond-leaf Willow:
Labrador Tea:
Lichen:
The lichen is a type of algae. The algae provides a symbiotic relationship with fungi, assisting both organisms to live. The fungi and the algae morph together and create spongy bonds that protect the algae from harm. Then, the algae provides chlorophyll as a food source for the fungi. As the fungi protects the algae, the algae feeds the fungi. This is an example of mutualism.
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