The Alaska Department of Fish and Game explains that the word tundra is derived from the Finnish "tuturi," which when translated refers to a treeless plain. The word describes a vast piece of land that covers approximately 20 percent of the earth. The environment, or "biome," of the tundra is self-sustaining, yet fragile. Species that have adapted to the area can undoubtedly perish if any part of the delicate balance within their biome is disrupted.
The vast majority of the earth's tundra is found in the far Northern Hemisphere, which is why it is often referred to as the Arctic Tundra. According to Radford University of Virginia, the High Arctic Tundra consists of islands in the Arctic Ocean, and the Middle Arctic Tundra encompasses the Arctic Coastal Plains. The Low Arctic Tundra is in the Northwest Territories, and Alpine Tundra are located all over the world---denoted by altitudes so high that trees are unable to grow.
The climate within the tundra is known to be the coldest on earth. The tundra averages a temperature of -30 degrees F during the winter, reaching a mild 57 degrees during the height of summer. It is not unusual for temperatures to drop to a -94 degrees F in frozen tundra areas. Blue Planet Biomes.org reveals that rainfall averages inside the tundra are between 6 and 10 inches per year, and is mostly fallen snow.
The permanently frozen soil of the tundra makes it very difficult for trees and plants to root. Trees that have managed to exist are mainly birch and willow species. According to Marietta College Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, the most common plants that are able to endure the cold and windy weather of the tundra are lichens, mosses and dwarf grasses. Sedges are also native to the tundra as well as 400 species of wildflowers.
Arctic fox, lemmings and snowy owls are among the native animals of the tundra that have been able to map out an existence through adaptation. According to Tundra Animals.net, the caribou and polar bear are also native to the tundra biome. The musk ox, also known as the oomingmak, is a large tundra species that can reach a weight of 900 lbs. and their enormous heads brandish 4-inch horns that also consist of 3 inches of bone under their fur. The arctic hair and "rock ptarmigan" are also seen within the tundra landscape. The rock ptarmigan is a species of grouse that is a master of disguise, able to change its colors to match either a frozen winter landscape or thawed backdrop. Other common species of birds common to the tundra are ravens, sandpipers, falcons and loons. Cod, salmon and trout are among the native species of fish.
