Polar Ecosystems
The polar ecosystems food web is based on land.
False. Based on the ocean
Is yearly precipitation high or low
Low
True or False
Alpine tundra is only found at very low altitudes.
False. Found at high altitudes
Where is the ocean water saltier?
Since saltwater is more dense , it sinks towards the bottom
True or False
Trophic levels are always counted starting from the top of the food chain.
False, stated from the bottom and going up
What animal is at the top of the food chain here?
Polar bears or orcas
Does the arctic tundra soil have many or little nutrients?
Little nutrients
Are oxygen levels here high or low?
Low oxygen levels
Where would autotrophs be located?
Towards the bottom of the water
What is each feeding group in an ecosystem called?
A tropic level
True or False
The summers here are very hot and bright.
False
What is the average summer temperature in the arctic tundra?
3-12 degrees C (37-54 degrees F)
What are the plants found in alpine tundras?
Grasses, lichens, mosses, small-leaf shrubs, and dwarf/stunted trees.
When white snow/ice reflects heat, what is it called?
High albedo
Which tropic level would the secondary consumer be?
3rd trophic level
What are some animal adaptions in polar ecosystems?
Mammals and birds have fat for insulation
Many animals hibernate
other animals migrate south in the winter
Why are plants often grouped together?
A. easy access to animals
B. To resist low temperatures
C. Have more diversity
B. To resist low temperatures
The edge of the habitat where trees can’t grow b/c of high elevation or high latitude.
Tree line (timberline)
When dark colored land or open water absorbs heat, what is it called?
Low albedo
Rain can’t really soak through the ground due to the ________
Permafrost
Why is young krill population decreasing?
How many centimeters of soil thaws during the short summer?
Only 8 cm
Why are trees not found here?
very windy and low oxygen
Why is sea ice considered “upside-down soil“
Because algae and phytoplankton can grow on the underside of the ice, providing food for young krill and many other species
Effects of permafrost
Unstable ground
Sinking roads/buildings
Preserved/frozen dead organisms start to thaw and surface - disease spread