The Tundra Biome: FOOD WEB

Walrus

Walruses are known to spend more than half of their lives in the ocean waters. That is where their primary food source is found which consists of fish and clams that they suck out of their shells. They are the only living species in the Odobenidae family and are subdivided into three subspecies; Atlantic, Pacific, and O.r. laptevi walrus. The adults are easily distinguished py their tusks, whiskers, and bulkiness. Adult males are known to weigh more than 2,000 kg and live in mostly shallow waters above continental shelves. They are considered to be a keystone species in Arctic marine regions because other organisms heavily depend on them.

THREATS

>The melting of the permafrost as a result of global warming could radically change the landscape and what species are able to live there.

>Ozone depletion at the North and South Poles means stronger ultraviolet rays that will harm the tundra.

>Air pollution can cause smog clouds that contaminate lichen, a significant food source for many animals.

>Exploration of oil, gas, and minerals and construction of pipelines and roads can cause physical disturbances and habitat fragmentation.

>Oil spills can kill wildlife and significantly damage tundra ecosystems.

>Buildings and roads put heat and pressure on the permafrost, causing it to melt.

>Invasive species push aside native vegetation and reduce diversity of plant cover.

FUN FACTS!

1. The Tundra Biome is the 2nd most deadliest environment.

2. The Tundra Biome has only 6 weeks of summer.

3. There is little to no precipitation.

4. The soil has very little nutrients for plants.

5. It the least inhabited by humans biome.

6. The Tundra Biome is the biome most affected by human pollution.

7. The sun is almost 24 hours up a summer day, meaning that there are mostly no nights.

8. During the winter, this biome has few hours of sunlight.

9. The Tundra Biome is covered permanently by a frozen layer of soil.

10. The Tundra Biome is the most vital role in keeping global temperature at a stable place.

The Tundra Biome

Pasque Flower

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

FOOD WEB

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