Arctic and Antarctic tundra
define latitude
distance away from the equator
define altitude
distance from sea level
T or F: Polar ecosystems' food webs are ocean-based
Climate change refers to natural fluctuations in weather patterns and is not influenced by human activities
false
What is the name for the layer of permanently frozen soil found in polar regions?
permafrost
The limiting factor in Arctic and Antarctic tundras is:
a. precipitation
b. food
c. temperature
d. shelter
c. temperature
T or F: there is permafrost in Alpine tundras
false
What is the primary source of food for most marine animals in polar ecosystems?
phytoplankton
What is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere?
carbon dioxide (CO2)
What's the bad part about the tundra having simple food webs?
its easy to disrupt
Name at least two producers in Arctic and Antarctic tundras
grasses, moss, lichens, small plants
Name at least one animal found in Alpine tundras
pikas, marmots, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, etc.
describe the winter of polar ecosystems
winters = cold and dark
What are some of the observed impacts of climate change on global weather patterns?
Rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events like hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts.
What is the term for the process by which plants and algae convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds using sunlight?
photosynthesis
Name at least two places in the world where there are Arctic and Antarctic tundras
Northern Canada, Northern Alaska, Greenland, Northern Russia, etc.
Which mountain range is known for its extensive alpine tundra ecosystems?
Rocky Mountains
how is sea ice used by land animals?
they use sea ice as a bridge
Describe one potential strategy for mitigating the effects of climate change
transitioning to renewable energy sources, afforestation and reforestation, or implementing carbon capture and storage technologies
What's the result of rain not being able to soak through the ground because of the permafrost?
it creates temporary bogs and marshes
Describe the Arctic tundra climate
Very cold and dark winters, short and cool summers
In what ways do alpine tundra ecosystems contribute to the conservation of water resources?
They act as natural reservoirs by storing snow and releasing it gradually as meltwater, regulating downstream water flow.
Describe one way in which climate change is affecting polar ecosystems
loss of sea ice habitat, altered migration patterns of marine species, or increased risk of extinction for specialized polar species
How does climate change contribute to the loss of biodiversity?
It leads to habitat destruction, shifts in ecosystems, and increased extinction rates.
How does the presence of ice-albedo feedback contribute to climate change in polar regions?
Ice-albedo feedback refers to the phenomenon where melting ice exposes darker surfaces, such as ocean water or land, which absorb more sunlight and further increase temperatures, leading to more ice melt.