The Tundra can be compared to an icy desert. The land is flat, most of the year there is little vegetation, and it's difficult for most animals to live in the weather conditions. Less than 10 inches of rain falls annually and temperatures range from -40 degrees to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The tundra landscape is barren of trees because the soil contains permafrost.
The Arctic Tundra is located around the North Pole and has land in northern Europe, Asia and North America. Animals including polar bears, arctic foxes and musk ox habitat the land. Plants are small, with shallow root systems.
The Antarctic Tundra has the least amount of ice on its flat ground. Antarctic does not have any land animals, but does inhibit some sea mammals and birds. Lichens and mosses are two of the most popular plants in this area.
The Alpine Tundra is located in a mountain range where very little vegetative life can be found because of the altitude and thin soil. Some small plants and shrubs grow as a food source for mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
