Plants that live in the tundra. What plants are found in the tundra: list, names, characteristics and photos. Melville island wolf and tundra wolf

The tundra zone is in its own way a unique part of the territory of Russia. Its existence is due to climatic changes observed when moving from anywhere in the world to the north or south. Landscapes, the composition of flora and fauna take on a different look: closer to the north there are fewer trees and more lichens, and arctic foxes, reindeer and other animals that are not found in other regions live there.

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The concept of a natural geographical zone

Natural (otherwise, physiographic) zone called such an area in the geographic shell of the Earth, which is characterized by a complex of climatic, geological and geochemical conditions inherent only to it. In addition, the features and composition of the soil, relief, what types of plants and animals are characteristic of a particular area are taken into account. But nevertheless, it is the climatic conditions that are of the greatest importance in identifying and describing the location of the natural zone.

Zonal changes in climate and landscape can practically be observed through every degree along the meridian or through 120-140 kilometers. If you move from the equator to one of the poles of the Earth, you can arrange the physiographic belts in this way:

Each natural zone corresponds to a certain climatic zone. For example, mixed forests are located in the temperate zone, and permanently wet forests are in the equatorial zone.

The presence of this natural area characteristic of the northern hemisphere, on the map it stretches across two continents, North America and Eurasia, occupying a significant part of the area of ​​Russia. The location of the tundra is determined by its proximity to the arctic deserts and taiga.

The richness of the natural resources of the tundra entails a serious interest in the features already from school. The topics “Flora” or “Birds of the Tundra” are common for reports in the 4th grade, various tables are compiled, schoolchildren prepare reports about the local population or even write interesting stories based on the information received from the lessons according to a certain plan.

The tundra is located in the subarctic (or subantarctic) belt between temperate and arctic. This determines the rather harsh living conditions in this area. There is a very long winter, the duration of which reaches seven months, and in a short summer period, snow falls very often and frosts occur. The upper temperature limit is 10 degrees above zero. Due to low temperatures, a small amount of water evaporates from the surface of the earth, so the soils in the tundra are very wet. For the same reason, relatively heavy rains are practically not observed.

Another important characteristic in describing the climate of the tundra is a very strong wind. It prevents the formation of deep snow cover, and the ground is often left open. Therefore, the entire living world of the tundra is forced to survive in permafrost conditions: closer to the north, the earth freezes 500 meters. The short summer period does not contribute to the thawing of the soil: on average, about 40 centimeters of land are released from the ice shell. Absorption of moisture in such conditions is difficult, so a significant part of the territory becomes swampy.

The animals and plants of the tundra are very peculiar, since the local nature is determined by harsh climatic conditions, the polar night, which lasts all winter, and the short summer day.

Vegetable world

The main feature of the tundra vegetation is that trees cannot grow here: frozen soils do not allow the development of the root system, and a strong wind simply blows away tall plants. Therefore, undersized species are especially common here: various shrubs and shrubs, grasses, mosses and lichens. Closer to the south, where the tundra turns into forest-tundra, some trees may grow, but this is not observed in the rest of the natural zone. This fact influenced the name of this area: translated from Finnish tunturia means "land without forest".

Mosses and lichens

Perhaps the most important in the tundra ecosystem are numerous species of mosses and lichens: cuckoo flax, reindeer moss or reindeer moss, pleurocium and many others. They are an important part of the diet of herbivores and survive in such harsh conditions due to the following factors:

The largest of the lichens of the tundra: reindeer moss. Its height ranges from 9 to 15 cm. This is a real tree in miniature. In the largest specimens, one can notice a striking resemblance to the branches and leaves of a real tree.

Shrubs and herbs

In addition to mosses and lichens, there is a variety of shrubs and shrubs. These are dwarf willows and birches, wild rosemary, blueberries, crowberry. Perennial grasses are widespread: alpine meadow grass, fescue, arctic bluegrass, sedge, rosea rhodiola and cloudberry. Shrubs do not exceed one meter in height. Their branches are not directed upwards, but on the contrary, they spread along the ground. The small size of the leaves reduces the amount of evaporated moisture, and the back side of the leaf is pubescent.

In the summer, the leaves of the trees and grass are bright green, and closer to autumn, crimson hues appear more and more in their color. Many species are blooming, so yellow, white and reddish flowers on a bright green background make these places especially beautiful in summer, allowing you to fully enjoy what the tundra looks like.

Animal world of the tundra

tundra fauna are distinguished by considerable diversity, despite the harsh conditions for survival in this natural area. You cannot find here only lizards and other reptiles: the absence of a long warm season does not allow cold-blooded species to live here.

land mammals

Animals in the harsh subarctic climate are forced to adapt to the conditions: they have a thick and dense coat, and birds acquire lush feathers. Among herbivores, the most famous reindeer. Their wide and powerful hooves facilitate long walks on snow (the length of reindeer migration routes is up to 500 km), and special depressions allow them to rake snow and find reindeer moss or other plants that they feed on.

Powerful antlers allow the deer to successfully defend itself from predators. But in especially harsh and hungry years, they weaken and often become victims of tundra wolves. They live in large packs with a pronounced hunting specialization: there are beaters and attackers. This is a very hardy animal, able to go without food for a week. But if you manage to catch someone, then the feast begins: the wolves sometimes eat the victim with the skin and bones.

Another dangerous predator of the tundra is a wolverine. Outwardly, she resembles a bear and seems very clumsy. But it's not. The body of the wolverine is very flexible, strong legs allow it to develop high speed. At the same time, the wolverine is distinguished by endurance: if the victim cannot be caught, then the predator takes it to starvation, pursuing it until it collapses from fatigue.

A frequent victim of the wolverine, and sometimes the wolf, are lemmings: small and prolific rodents. They do not hibernate and are constantly looking for food. Deer antlers, bark, bush buds can be food. As lemmings multiply rapidly, habitual habitats are overpopulated, and animals are forced to migrate. Following them, predators also migrate: owls, arctic foxes and others.

The Arctic fox is known for its fur: it is fluffy and long (up to 30 cm). Usually they hunt lemmings and move after them, but sometimes they do not disdain carrion. Arctic fox burrows dug in the hills are used by several generations of predators: making new moves in permafrost is a difficult task. They live in small flocks, helping each other, including caring for cubs whose parents have died.

bird species

Along with mammals, the tundra is inhabited by a significant number of bird species. This is determined by two interrelated factors:

• an abundance of wetlands, rivers and lakes;
• the presence in these areas of a significant number of insects, especially in summer.

Many birds adjust to seasonality and do not migrate, such as the ptarmigan. In winter, its color allows it to disguise itself in the snow from large predators, and in summer the feathers become motley. At the same time, the partridge relatively rarely rises into the air and lives in holes that it digs in the snow.

Near the swamps lives white crane or Siberian crane. This is an endemic species and is on the verge of extinction, therefore it is listed in the Red Book. The Siberian Crane is a fairly large bird, its body size reaches half a meter in height. Habitat conditions determined the body structure of the white crane: it has the longest beak in comparison with the rest of the genus, and long legs allow it to move on a viscous surface. The Siberian Crane is omnivorous: it can eat both the eggs of other birds and fish, as well as various berries and certain parts of plants.

A serious danger to small mammals and other birds is the white, or polar, owl. She has excellent eyesight, therefore, from an insignificant height (most often she examines the area from high bumps or stones) she detects a possible victim. After a successful hunt, it does not eat the whole prey, leaving everything that has not been eaten by various scavengers. At the same time, an owl can go without food for a long time, but this significantly affects the appearance of offspring.

The abundance of rivers and direct access to the seas and the ocean are the reason why many water birds live in the tundra. Among them, a special place is tundra swan- Another rare animal that is under threat of extinction. Tundra swans feed on algae, plants growing near water, and also fish. The short duration of the summer period forces the animals to raise young animals in a short time: on average, this happens in 40 days.

Another representative of waterfowl - loon. On land, it is a clumsy bird, easy prey for predators, but it is almost impossible to catch it on the water: thanks to its streamlined body shape and sharp beak, the loon is an excellent diver. This skill allows you not only to get fish for food, but also to avoid many dangers.

waterfowl mammals

Many mammals also live in the water. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat saves them from low temperatures. Some also have thick hair, such as the sea lion. Such protection allows him to dive to a depth of up to 400 meters. During the warm season, sea lions often come ashore to bask in the sun. In this case, they move on four limbs.

Seals have become a kind of symbol of the tundra.. They live in coastal areas, which is due to their mode of life. They forage in water and breed on land. The nose and ears of the seal are built in such a way that they close tightly when immersed. An interesting fact is that this animal is able to hold its breath for up to one hour, and this allows you to escape from land-based predators.

Another characteristic of the tundra regions animal - walrus. Its mass ranges from one ton to one and a half, and body dimensions reach up to five meters. Walruses are known for their large and powerful tusks. Their direct purpose may seem surprising: walruses dig the bottom with tusks in search of mollusks, which make up the bulk of their diet. But if his life is in danger, walruses use tusks as a formidable weapon. In addition, it is a matter of status: the longer the tusk, the more authority the walrus enjoys in its group.

Tundra is a natural zone that lies north of the forest zone. On the territory of Russia, it stretches from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka.

Climate

The tundra is divided into three types:

• South - closest to the forest zone.
• Middle - north of south.
• Arctic - the coldest, northern part of this natural belt. It borders on the zone of eternal snows.

Winter in this climate zone lasts 8-9 months. Summer is short - 3-4 months. The frozen ground hardly thaws in summer, which is why the tundra surface is called "permafrost". Even in the middle of summer, frost and snow can fall here.

The summer temperature never exceeds +10˚ C. The earth thaws by only a few centimeters. In the southern part, in summer it can be up to + 11˚ C. The earth thaws deeper there and therefore many swamps and lakes form.

In winter, the snow cover does not exceed 15-30 cm. very strong winds. Therefore, the snow does not lie, but is constantly moving. From any hills it is blown away completely.

There is little precipitation, but there is still more than the amount of water evaporated from the earth. So the soil is saturated with moisture.

The soil

In the tundra there is sandy, clay, peaty, stony soil. In the west of Russia, these are clay-sandy plains with many rivers, swamps and lakes. in the east there are mountain ranges and rocks.

Tundra soils are completely barren. In high places, where the snow is blown away by the wind, the soil has no vegetation at all. Only frozen clay or sand comes to the surface. Such areas are called "clay medallions".

Vegetable world

When the wind drives snow across the plain with force, it cuts off the protruding tops of grasses and shrubs, as if cutting them. So plants cannot grow tall. Only in the lowlands of the southern tundra there are trees and shrubs as tall as a man.

They mostly grow here. herbs, mosses and lichens. The further north - the less grass and more mosses. In the middle zone there are creeping willows and. In the Arctic - creeping shrubs.

Mosses and grasses grow on clay soils, and on stony and sandy soils. Mosses, berries and creeping trees predominate on peat soils. All plants in the tundra not enough heat. Therefore, the roots of plants do not grow deep, but along the surface.

Animal world

Aviation and all-terrain vehicles are used for communication in the tundra. ATVs severely damage fragile vegetation, which then recovers for decades. The best transport of northerners is reindeer teams.

Although the tundra is poorer than other natural areas, it able to feed polar animals and migratory birds. Therefore, it is necessary to protect its nature.

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The growing season of plants in the territory lasts only two months a year. Despite almost year-round frost, the biome thrives and surprises with a variety of flora. The word tundra comes from the Finnish "tunturia", which means treeless lands. Harsh winds are present here, and most plants grow in groups, which forms a natural protective barrier.

There are over 400 plant species that are found in the tundra, but only a few of them grow all year round. Plant growth issues are directly related to the tundra soil. There is a thick layer of soil under the ice that rarely thaws, so plants with the smallest roots are able to withstand the climatic conditions of the tundra.

The fact that the plant world is present in the tundra plays a significant role in the conservation of other life forms. As the plants die and decay, many organisms use them to feed themselves during the long winter months.

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Here is a list and brief description of some of the perennials that have successfully adapted to tundra conditions:

Bearberry

Bearberry or bearberry, bear's ear, bear's ears is not really a bearberry, although "clubfoot" have been seen eating it. Red berries and green leaves attract owls and birds that fly to the tundra. The plant is uniquely adapted to the climatic conditions of the tundra, as it grows low to the ground. This is not quite a ground cover plant, because it has a small height. Berries on bearberry can be present throughout the year.

Ledum is an amazing small shrub plant with slightly curved leaves and a stem resembling hairy legs, which helps the plant to keep warm in the harsh conditions of the tundra. The unusual features of the plant include the fact that tundra animals do not eat it due to essential oils that have a pungent odor and poisonous properties.

diamond sheet

Diamond leaf is a plant from the willow family, but it has significant differences from its other representatives. These are low willows growing close to the ground. Like rosemary, it has a semblance of hair that covers its stems and roots, and also retains heat. Diamond leaf is an edible plant consumed by both humans and animals as it is rich in calcium and other vitamins. The plant is very flexible and grows singly, it cannot be found in groups of plants protected from harsh winds.

Arctic moss is the most common tundra flora and is not very different from the moss found in other biomes. It can grow on the surface of the earth, but prefers water. The plant does not have a root system, and rhizoids are present in it. The moss is also covered with small leaves, which occupy one cell in thickness and make it easy to provide for oneself at the expense. Arctic moss is the main food of many, as it is rich in nutrients and grows throughout the year. When it dies, it becomes an important source of nutrients for other organisms. It is also an important food for birds during their migration. Arctic moss is of interest to researchers because it shows the natural evolution of life in harsh climates.

The arctic willow is found in the tundra region of North America, which consists of northern Alaska and northern Canada. The plant is shrubby, reaches a height of 15-20 cm and grows in a carpet.

Caribou moss grows in arctic and northern regions around the world. It can be found on the ground and rocks, reaching a height of 10 centimeters. When there is no light or water, caribou moss goes into hibernation, but after a long period of dormancy it can start growing again.

Saxifrage crested has thick main stems and several straight flower stems, 3-15 cm long. About 2-8 flowers are present on each stem. The flower has five white petals. The plant can be found on rocky slopes from Alaska to the Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, and northwest Oregon.

Lumbago

Pasque belongs to the ranunculaceae family. Plant height 5-40 cm. Each stem has one flower with 5-8 petals. Flower color varies from lavender to almost white. It grows on the south side of the slopes and is found from the northwestern United States to northern Alaska. It is also the national flower of South Dakota.

The extremely harsh living conditions in the tundra are extremely unfavorable for plants. The amount of solar heat here is two times less than in a temperate climate. The time during which the development of plants is possible is very short - 2-3 months. Winter lasts about 8 months, the average annual temperature in the tundra is everywhere below zero. Frosts are possible in all months of the summer. However, the climatic conditions in the tundra are not uniform. In the USSR, the western part of the tundra zone, on the Kola Peninsula, is most favorable for plants. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the warm North Atlantic Current moderate the cold breath of the Arctic here. The average temperature in January is -6°, and precipitation is up to 400 mm per year.

To the east, the climate becomes more severe: the temperature drops, the amount of precipitation decreases, and the summer becomes shorter. In many regions of the Yakut Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, the average January temperature is -40°C. The annual rainfall in the north of Siberia is 200-300 mm, and at the mouth of the river. Lena is reduced to 100 mm. There is little snow in the tundra. In the west, the thickness of the snow cover is 50 cm, and in the east, in Yakutia, it is only 25 cm.

Very strong winds constantly blow in the tundra. In winter, there is often a blizzard and the wind speed reaches 30-40 m per second. The blizzard lasts for 5-6 days. Winds blow snow from the hills into hollows, river valleys, and the bare ground freezes heavily. The soil bound by frost does not thaw completely in a short summer, and at some depth from year to year, frozen soil remains - permafrost (for more details, see article ""). There is no permafrost in the extreme west of the tundra zone. The farther to the east, the wider the band of permafrost soils. In Eastern Siberia, its southern border descends south of Irkutsk.

The soil in the tundra is always cold. Even in summer, at a shallow depth, its temperature does not rise above + 10 °. Permafrost slows down soil formation. In the upper layers of the soil, water accumulates, supported by the permafrost layer, and this entails waterlogging of the surface and the accumulation of semi-decayed plant remains - peat. But there are no powerful deposits of peat in the tundra - the growth of plant mass is too small here (see Art. "").

Permafrost, low rainfall, low temperatures and strong winds create a unique water regime in the tundra. The roots of plants, despite the excess moisture in the soil, are not able to supply it to the aerial parts of plants in the right amount. Therefore, plants in the tundra (for more details, see p. 92), as well as in the desert, suffer from a lack of moisture. It is natural that the vegetation of the tundra, which develops in such extremely unfavorable conditions, has acquired a peculiar appearance.

In the middle zone of the tundra zone, large spaces are occupied by moss or lichen tundras. Their landscape is gray and monotonous. Their most characteristic feature is the absence of woody vegetation. Of the mosses, green mosses predominate. Peat mosses are less common; they usually do not form continuous carpets here. Lichens are represented by a huge number of species. Among them, the most common are bushy - cladonia, cetraria, alectoria. Together with mosses and lichens, small shrubs grow here: crowberry, arctic bearberry, etc. Their underground organs and buds are hidden in the moss cover and in winter they find good protection from adverse conditions there. A moss carpet, like a loose sponge, absorbs moisture and further contributes to the swamping of the tundra.

The more southern regions of the tundra zone are characterized by shrub tundra. These are quite high thickets of bushes. They consist of several tiers. In the first, upper tier - mainly dwarf birch. In the second tier, various willows are widespread: polar, grassy, ​​reticulated, as well as crowberry, heather shrubs - rosemary, phyllodoce. The third tier (aerial cover) is formed by various mosses and lichens, but they are much less developed than in moss and lichen tundras. Larger (up to a meter and higher) willows grow in river valleys and along the outskirts of swamps: woolly, Lapland, etc.

In the northern regions of the tundra, conditions are more severe and even mosses and lichens freeze there in winter. Vegetation in these areas of the tundra does not form continuous carpets. There is a lot of completely bare soil here. Among the numerous patches of bare soil, miserable vegetation huddles in depressions - oppressed mosses, lichens and some small shrubs. This tundra is called spotted.

In some places of the tundra, rocky soils come to the surface. Individual plants or small groups of them grow in islands on them. The most common here are dryad, or partridge grass, polar poppies with red, yellow, white flowers, phyllodoce, arctic bearberry, cassiope. This is rocky tundra.

The absence of trees and tall shrubs in the tundra is explained by a combination of unfavorable conditions. Drying strong winds are especially detrimental to them in spring, when the above-ground parts of plants are strongly heated by the sun, and the roots cannot supply them with enough water from the cold soil. As a result, the above-ground parts of plants quickly lose water and die.

The insignificance of snow cover also has a detrimental effect on plants. All parts of plants that rise above the snow cover in the tundra die off due to winter desiccation.

Individual trees, sometimes collected in small groups, groves, are found only in the extreme south of the tundra zone - in the forest tundra. The forest-tundra is characterized by the alternation of forest areas with tundra (mainly with shrub tundra).

Various trees grow on the border of the forest. Birch, European spruce, Siberian spruce, Siberian larch and Dahurian larch replace each other from west to east. The trees on the border of the forest have a depressed look, they are not higher than 6 m. There are trees in the tundra, but along the river valleys. Here they find protection from the wind. In addition, rivers flowing from south to north have warmer water, which increases the temperature of the slopes surrounding the river. In addition, rivers drain the soil. The soil along the rivers warms up well, and usually there is no permafrost layer in it.

There are many swamps, meadows and overgrown reservoirs in the tundra zone. The swamps are covered with green mosses and various herbs: sedges, narrow-leaved cotton grass, watch. Various berries grow among them: cloudberries, mamura, or polyberries, small-fruited cranberries, blueberries.

In the more southern regions of the tundra zone, hilly peat bogs are found. The depressions between the hillocks are overgrown with sphagnum mosses, and the hillocks are overgrown with lichens and mosses (cuckoo flax, peat and sphagnum mosses). There is also a dwarf birch, crowberry, andromeda, blueberry and other shrubs here.

Many plants in the tundra cannot go through all the phases of their development in a short summer. Often they do not have time to form mature seeds. There are almost no annual plants in the tundra, and their number decreases sharply to the north. Between 71-74° N. sh. annuals make up no more than one percent of the entire flora of flowering plants, and north of 74 ° they are represented by only one species - kenigia.

Thus, almost all tundra plants are perennial.

Captured by frost in flowering or fruit set, they interrupt development.

In the spring, they continue to bloom or form seeds.

Some perennials have lost the ability to produce mature seeds in the tundra and reproduce only vegetatively.

So, on the islands of Spitsbergen they do not give seeds of crow, dwarf birch, fescue grass. Bulbous and tuberous plants are rare in the tundra. Their development is hindered by severe freezing of the soil.

The tundra is dominated by evergreens with leathery leaves. They have various adaptations that reduce evaporation and make it possible not to spend a lot of time in the spring for the formation of new leaves. Evergreen shrubs from the heather family are widespread in the tundra: wild rosemary, andromeda, phyllodoce, cassiope, and also crowberry.

The harsh living conditions of plants explain their negligible increase in organic mass. Lichens grow only 1-3 mm per year. In the polar willow on the Kola Peninsula, shoots lengthen by only 1-5 mm per year and produce 2-3 leaves.

Tundra plants have developed peculiar forms that help them make the best use of the sun's heat and protect themselves from the wind. The so-called tapestry forms of shrubs and trees are especially characteristic. They are formed, for example, birch, spruce, various willows. The trunks and branches of these plants, except for individual branches, are hidden under moss or lichen.

Many tundra plants take on a pillow-like shape. Numerous shoots extend from the root neck of such plants in different directions, which in turn branch out repeatedly. The whole plant takes the form of a hemisphere or pillow. A dense pillow is better warmed by the sun's rays, the shoots are well protected from the drying effect of the wind. Dying lower leaves fall down, rot and enrich the soil under the pillow with humus. Pillows form, for example, stemless resin, saxifrage.

Plants in the tundra generally "cling to the ground." Due to this, they are less exposed to the drying effect of the wind and receive more heat, since the soil here warms up more than the air.

Many tundra plants have very large flowers. So, the inflorescences of arctic chamomile, whose height is 10-25 cm, reach 8 cm in diameter.

The flowers of many tundra plants are brightly colored (swim, cyanosis, mytnik, poppies) and are clearly visible from afar. For plants, this is very important, since there are few pollinating insects in the tundra.

All plants of the tundra located in high latitudes are plants of a long day. In the summer they are constantly illuminated by the sun. Long-term lighting makes up for the lack of heat in the tundra; this explains the more rapid development of tundra plants. Most of the tundra plants have time to bloom and form seeds, despite the short summer.

The flora of the tundra zone is young compared to other zones. It was formed in the mountainous regions of Northeast Asia and the Far East during the Tertiary and Ice Ages. At that time, the territory of the modern tundra was covered by a glacier. Then, following the retreating glacier, this new flora moved along the coast of the Arctic Ocean and along the mountain ranges of Altai, Sayan, the Urals, and the Caucasus to the west, to territories freed from ice.

It also penetrated into the mountainous regions of Europe (Carpathians, Alps). This explains the similarity between the tundra (arctic) flora and the highland (alpine) flora. Through the Bering Strait, this flora also spread eastward to North America.

The flora of the tundra zone is very poor. In the tundra of Eurasia and North America, there are no more than 500 species of higher plants.

There are many diverse plant communities in the tundra. Their distribution is closely related to the soil, topography and other conditions. These communities are changing from north to south, according to climate change.

Tundra is a treeless natural zone in the north of Eurasia and North America. It is characterized by a harsh climate and the occurrence of permafrost even at shallow depths. Due to low winter temperatures and frozen ground, trees cannot grow here, even conifers that can withstand extreme Siberian frosts. What animals live in the tundra in such conditions?

Features of the climate of the tundra

The tundra zone corresponds to the subarctic climatic zone. Here, the average January temperatures drop to -40º, and the minimum is even lower. But this is not the case everywhere. For example, on the coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula, where the warm Norwegian current passes, January temperatures rarely drop below -20º. But winter throughout the tundra lasts a very long time.

Summer here is comparable to our autumn. In the hottest month, the temperature rarely exceeds +10º. Even in July, sub-zero temperatures and snow can be observed. And such a summer lasts from the strength of a month and a half.

The main feature of the tundra climate is excessive moisture. But not because there is a lot of precipitation, but because of low temperatures and, as a result, insignificant evaporation. As a result, there are many swamps and lakes. And there are strong winds here, especially on the coast of the Arctic Ocean.

In winter, beyond the Arctic Circle, the sun does not go below the horizon for several days in a row. In summer, it is the turn of the polar day. And to the south, the sun shines so long that the evening dawn is replaced by the morning and there is no real darkness. This phenomenon is called "white nights".

Fauna and flora of the tundra

The vegetation of the tundra is very peculiar. In the south of the zone, where it is warmer, dwarf trees are still found: polar willow, dwarf birch. It is difficult to mistake them for trees, because the thickness of their trunks does not even reach the diameter of a pencil, and they rise only 20-30 cm in height.

The main plants of the tundra are mosses and lichens. They determine the appearance of the tundra landscape. There is enough moisture for them here, and they are unpretentious to heat. However, they grow very slowly.

The most famous tundra plant is moss, or reindeer moss, which is actually not a moss, but a lichen. This is the source of food for reindeer, which is why it got its popular name.

There are a lot of shrubs in the tundra that winter under the snow without shedding their small dense leathery leaves. This allows them to start growing immediately after thawing from under the snow. First of all, these are lingonberries, cranberries, blueberries and cloudberries.

Herbaceous plants include sedge, cotton grass and polar poppy. During the short Arctic summer, they manage to go through a full vegetative cycle.

The vegetation here often forms creeping and cushion-like forms. This allows you to better use the ground heat and save it, protect yourself from strong winds that break the stems.

The fauna of the tundra is not rich in species, but quantitatively large enough. What animals live in the tundra permanently? The indigenous inhabitants of the tundra include reindeer, lemmings, arctic foxes, wolves, and birds - a snowy owl and a white partridge. Very rare animals - musk oxen.

Fauna of the Russian tundra

The most numerous animals of the tundra are lemmings. These rodents feed on seeds, fruits and roots of tundra plants. They can multiply very quickly, because they mature within 2-3 months after birth. In a year, they can bring up to 5-6 litters of up to a dozen cubs each. It is clear that there is not enough food for everyone. And lemmings undertake large migrations, moving en masse in search of food.

Although lemmings are not used by humans, the animal world of the tundra cannot do without these animals. After all, they serve as the main food for valuable game animals - arctic fox, fox.

The white fox and the wolf are also typical representatives of the tundra animals. But if the Arctic fox mainly feeds on lemmings, hunts birds and destroys bird nests, the wolf prefers larger prey. And by this he poses a danger to the reindeer. Wolves hunt in large packs, driving herds of deer to fight off weakened animals or young calves from the herd.

Reindeer - the main animal of the tundra

Reindeer graze on vast expanses of the tundra. They feed not only on reindeer moss, but also on other types of plants. In search of food, they have to roam all the time, because the eaten vegetation is restored for a very long time. In addition, in winter they migrate to the more southern regions of the tundra and to the forest-tundra, since here the snow is looser and it is easier to dig up plants with a hoof. And the leaves of dwarf trees are also edible.

In summer, deer move closer to the coast of the ocean, the wind from which saves them from midges - blood-sucking insects.

The reindeer has long been domesticated by man. It is simply an indispensable animal in the tundra. Their meat, skins are used, deer transport people and goods. No wonder the song says: "And the deer is better ..."

Reindeer wool is very warm, because the hairs in it are hollow, filled with air. Therefore, deer can easily endure very severe frosts. And for the inhabitants of the tundra, clothing made from deer skins is also necessary.

In North America, caribou deer live in this zone.

tundra birds

The fauna of the tundra is also represented by birds. The most famous eider is a large sea duck. It is famous for its exceptionally warm down, which lines the nest and covers the eggs. This gray down is highly valued, so it is harvested. From one nest, from which the chicks have already left, you can get 15-20 grams of pure fluff.

The white partridge is also a permanent resident of the tundra. The name suggests that in winter its plumage turns white, which allows the bird to be invisible against the background of snow. She eats plant foods, and the chicks are also insectivorous.

The snowy owl mainly preys on lemmings. And in the summer, she is a danger to birds, as chicks are a good addition to her diet.

Summer paradise for waterfowl

In summer, the endless expanses of the tundra are literally saturated with water. These are melted snow waters, and numerous lakes and swamps, and rivers. Therefore, the fauna of the tundra is replenished with a huge number of waterfowl. They find both algae and insect larvae in the water, and they do not refuse the insects themselves.

Geese, ducks, loons, waders, swans - this is not a complete list of birds that feed and hatch chicks in the far north. And in autumn they take their chicks south to warmer climes.

Conservation of tundra animals

The flora and fauna of the tundra is very fragile, because it takes not years, but decades to restore it in harsh conditions. Therefore, he needs protection.

The Red Book of Russia aims to protect flora and fauna. Animals of the tundra that are included in it:

• bighorn sheep putoransky;
• bighorn sheep Chukchi;
• polar bear;
• white goose;
• white-billed loon;
• goose white;
• goose;
• barnacle;
• red-throated goose;
• black goose Pacific;
• small swan;
• American swan;
• pink seagull;
• Siberian Crane, or White Crane.

To protect the living nature of the tundra, reserves have been created: Kandalaksha, Lapland, Taimyr, and others.