Animal and plant life of the tundra. The animal world of the tundra. What animals live in the tundra zone Who lives in the tundra plants

The subject is the world around. A message on the topic "Plant and Animal World of the Tundra of Russia" Grade 3-4

The tundra is a land not many south of the Arctic. From the north of Europe, it is located in a narrow strip, starting from the Scandinavian peninsula, and expanding its borders closer to the Taimyr Peninsula. In the North American region, the tundra has its roots in Alaska.

Climate

In the tundra, the temperature is not much higher than in the Arctic, the temperature in this area rarely goes above zero. And the amount of solar heat is several times less than in regions closer to the central zone. Winter is in the tundra, it is usually 7-8 months of continuous frost, the water bodies are chained with a thick layer of ice, and the plains turn into an endless white canvas.

Most of the tundra region is located beyond the Arctic Circle, it is not rare to observe one of the most beautiful natural phenomena - the polar night. There is practically no summer in the tundra, and if it comes, then for an extremely short time. The highest temperature in the summer is 10-15 degrees Celsius. Frost, a natural phenomenon for the area, as well as a long period of cloudy days.

Features of the plant world of the tundra

With the beginning of the thaw, all the local flora (vegetation) comes to life. For spring, it is customary to count only one month of the year, this is May. Like spring, autumn is in no hurry to linger, and as a rule, on the pass between autumn and winter there is only one month - September. Snow cover in the tundra is very unstable, now and then the winds carry from place to place.

The soil was frozen by permafrost for many, many meters in depth, so that all the vegetation growing in this area is forced to take roots no deeper than one meter. Permafrost is the result of millennial frosts, because of such a huge layer of frozen soil, plants with a large root system are simply not able to take root. Most of the tundra grow mosses and lichens. Enormous expanses were captured by the "deer lichen" and moss, but in places there are not tall grasses with the same low bushes.

The nature of the tundra is very diverse, here you can meet the following plants: alpine bearberry, forget-me-nots, polar poppy, bluebells, Veronica, dryad, dwarf birch, dwarf willow. Closer to the taiga zone, where the influence of "permafrost" is weakening, trees, such as birch and larch, which are quite usual for a temperate climate, grow.

Amazing dwarf birch and dwarf willow. Tundra plants are stunted, many of them spread along the ground. So they adapted to life in the tundra. Indeed, the surface of the earth is warmer, the wind is weaker. And in winter, snow completely covers undersized plants and protects them from frost and winds.

In this area, the frozen soil layer is much lower than in the rest of the Arctic, but it is still able to affect vegetation, it is difficult to meet a tree whose height would exceed six meters. Despite the harsh climate, plants in the tundra are predominantly “eternally green,” let them grow very slowly.

The tundra is very beautiful in spring. Quickly, as if by the wave of a magic wand, everything comes to life. Many plants are in a hurry to bloom, to form fruits and seeds. After all, after a few months the snow will again cover the ground.

The flowers of local plants are usually very bright and at the same time large. The extraordinary and very bright color palette of the local flora attracts a large number of pollinating insects, of which there are not so many, this ensures the continued survival of most plants as a species. In the tundra, in addition to herbaceous plants, you can also meet the "northern" berries: cloudberries, cranberries, blueberries, lingonberries.

Cloudberry Fruiting plants in the tundra. Murmansk region, Kola Peninsula.

Dwarf birch

Lingonberry

The animal world of the tundra

Numerous reservoirs, in the vicinity of which are suitable for nesting, the abundance of bushes and berries, create favorable conditions for birds. In the summer there are about eighty species of birds. This is not a very large indicator, but the abundance of each species is quite large. Swans alone are enough to cover most of the small lakes with a white tablecloth. In the spring, when the water level in the lakes rises as a result of the thaw, the season of mass emigration of such species as swans, waders, cranes, geese and ducks begins in the tundra.

For the summer, cranes, geese, swans, waders fly into the tundra. Here, these birds breed chicks, and fly away to the warm regions for the winter. Other birds - partridge and white owl - constantly live in the tundra.

The most stately and beautiful animal of the tundra is considered to be the reindeer. The relatively wider hooves allow him to very quickly run in the snow and get food from under the snow. When winter comes, the reindeer on the hooves begins to grow wool, due to this reindeer are able to move around the ice without any problems.

In the summer, the reindeer is very affected by attacks from insects: midges, mosquitoes, spouts, horseflies and gadflies. But past the blood-sucking insects, the reindeer has an even more serious enemy, this is a wolf. The diet of the reindeer includes lichen and reindeer, the deer is able to get it even from under the snow.

There are few permanent "residents" in this northern country; only a few individuals can be noted: arctic fox, hare, ptarmigan, lemming and polar owl. But polar owls, as well as partridges, mostly migrate closer to the forest zone of the tundra during the wintering period, but a small percentage of individuals of these species remain wintering in place.

Lemmings are small animals in winter that do not hibernate and even breed offspring under the snow.

The life of predatory animals - arctic foxes - largely depends on lemmings. Owls and arctic foxes eat lemmings themselves and feed their offspring with them. In those years when there are few lemmings, owls lay few eggs, and Arctic foxes give birth to few cubs. But when there are a lot of lemmings, the offspring of owls and arctic foxes are big and all the kids have enough food.

The tundra is such a place that is difficult to describe in simple words, these endless plains that look like huge grassy oceans, and every winter, as if by magic, turn into a frosty sea shining with the color of emerald. The nature of the tundra is harsh. But before a person she is defenseless. When exploring the northern region, people should not forget about it.

The tundra zone is in its own way a unique part of the territory of Russia. Its existence is due to climatic changes observed when moving from anywhere in the world to the north or south. Landscapes and composition of flora and fauna take a different look: closer to the north there are fewer trees and more lichens, and there live polar foxes, reindeer and other animals that are not found in other regions.

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The concept of natural geographic area

Natural (otherwise, physical-geographical) zone This area is called in the geographical shell of the Earth, which is characterized by its inherent complex of climatic, geological and geochemical conditions. In addition, the features and composition of the soil, the relief, and what types of plants and animals are characteristic of a particular area are taken into account. But nevertheless, the climatic conditions are of the greatest importance in the allocation and description of the location of the natural zone.

Zonal changes in the climate and landscape can almost be observed every degree along the meridian or 120-140 kilometers. If you move from the equator to one of the poles of the Earth, you can arrange the physical and geographical zones in this way:

Each natural zone corresponds to a specific climate zone. For example, mixed forests are in the temperate zone, and constantly moist in the equatorial.

The presence of this natural area characteristic of the northern hemisphere, on the map it stretches across two continents, North America and Eurasia, occupying a significant part of the area of \u200b\u200bRussia. The location of the tundra is determined by its neighboring location with the Arctic deserts and taiga.

The richness of the natural resources of the tundra entails a serious interest in the features already from school. Common topics are “Plant World” or “Tundra Birds” for reports in grade 4, various tables are compiled, students prepare messages about the local population or write interesting stories based on information received from lessons on a specific plan.

The tundra is located in the subarctic (or subantarctic) belt   between temperate and arctic. This determines the rather harsh living conditions in the area. Here is a very long winter, the duration of which reaches seven months, and in a short summer period very often snow falls and frosts occur. The upper temperature limit is 10 degrees above zero. Due to low temperatures, a small amount of water evaporates from the surface of the earth, so the soils in the tundra are very moist. For the same reason, relatively heavy rains are practically not observed.

Another important characteristic in describing the climate of the tundra is a very strong wind. It prevents the formation of deep snow, and the earth often remains open. Therefore, the entire living world of the tundra is forced to survive in permafrost: closer to the north, the ground freezes for 500 meters. The short summer period does not contribute to thawing of the soil: on average, about 40 centimeters of land are freed from the ice shell. Moisture absorption under such conditions is difficult, therefore, a significant part of the territory is swamped.

The animals and plants of the tundra are very peculiar, because the local nature is determined by the harsh climatic conditions, the polar night, which lasts all winter, and a short summer day.

Vegetable world

The main feature of the tundra vegetation   It consists in the fact that trees cannot grow here: frozen soils do not allow the root system to develop, and a strong wind simply blows tall plants. Therefore, undersized species are especially common here: various shrubs and shrubs, grasses, mosses and lichens. Closer to the south, where the tundra passes into the forest-tundra, some trees may grow, but this is not observed in the rest of the natural area. This fact influenced the name of the area: translated from Finnish tunturia means "land without forest."

Mosses and Lichens

Perhaps the most important in the tundra ecosystem are numerous species of mosses and lichens: cuckoo flax, reindeer moss or deer moss, pleurocium and many others. They are an important part of the diet of herbivores and survive in such harsh conditions due to the following factors:

The largest of the tundra lichens: moss. Its height ranges from 9 to 15 cm. This is a real tree in miniature. In the largest specimens, one can notice a striking resemblance to the branches and leaves of a real tree.

Shrubs and grasses

In addition to mosses and lichens, there is a variety of shrubs and shrubs. These are dwarf willows and birches, ledum, blueberry, crowberry. Perennial grasses are widespread: alpine meadow, fescue, arctic bluegrass, sedge, Rhodiola rosea and cloudberry. Shrubs in height do not exceed one meter. Their branches are not directed upwards, but rather spread out on the ground. The small size of the leaves allows you to reduce the amount of evaporated moisture, and the back of the sheet is downy.

In the summer, the leaves of the trees and grass are bright green, and closer to the fall in their color crimson shades appear more and more. Many species are blooming, so the yellow, white and reddish flowers on a bright green background make the local places in summer especially beautiful, allowing you to fully enjoy what the tundra looks like.

The animal world of the tundra

Tundra fauna   differ in significant diversity, despite the harsh conditions for survival in this natural zone. You cannot find here only lizards and other reptiles: the absence of a long warm season does not allow cold-blooded species to live here.

Land mammals

Animals in a harsh subarctic climate are forced to adapt to conditions: they have thick and dense hair, and birds acquire lush feathers. Among herbivores the most famous reindeer. Their wide and powerful hooves facilitate long crossings in the snow (the length of the migration routes of deer is up to 500 km), and special recesses make it possible to rake snow and find the reindeer moss or other plants that they feed on.

Powerful horns allow the deer to successfully defend itself from predators. But in particularly harsh and hungry years, they weaken and often become victims of tundra wolves. Those live in large packs with a pronounced hunting specialization: there are beaters and forwards. This is a very hardy animal that can do without food for a week. But if one succeeds in catching someone, then a feast begins: sometimes wolves eat a victim with skin and bones.

Another dangerous tundra predator is a wolverine. Outwardly, it resembles a bear and seems very awkward. But this is not so. The body of the wolverine is very flexible, strong legs allow you to develop high speed. At the same time, the wolverine is distinguished by its endurance: if the prey fails to catch, then the predator starves it, pursuing it until it falls off from fatigue.

A frequent victim of wolverines, and sometimes even wolves, are lemmings: small and prolific rodents. They do not hibernate and are continuously in search of food. Food can be deer horns, bark, buds of shrubs. As lemmings multiply rapidly, habitual habitats are overpopulated, and animals are forced to migrate. Following them, predators also migrate: owls, arctic foxes and others.

Arctic fox is known for its wool: It is fluffy and long (up to 30 cm). Usually they hunt lemmings and move after them, but sometimes they do not disdain carrion. Burrows of Arctic foxes dug in the hills are in use by several generations of predators: making new moves in permafrost conditions is a difficult task. They live in small flocks, helping each other, including caring for the cubs whose parents died.

Bird species

Along with mammals, it lives in the tundra significant number of bird species. This is determined by two interrelated factors:

• an abundance of wetlands, rivers and lakes;
• the presence in these areas of a significant number of insects, especially in summer.

Many birds adapt to seasonality and do not migrate, for example, partridge. In winter, its color allows masking in the snow from large predators, and in summer, feathers become mottled. In this case, the partridge comparatively rarely rises into the air and lives in holes that it digs in the snow.

Near the swamps inhabits white crane or crane. This is an endemic species and is on the verge of extinction, so it is listed in the Red Book. The Siberian Crane is a rather large bird, in height its body size reaches half a meter. The living conditions determined the structure of the body of the white crane: it has the longest beak in comparison with other representatives of the genus, and long legs allow you to move on a viscous surface. The Siberian Crane is omnivorous: it can eat both eggs of other birds and fish, as well as various berries and certain parts of plants.

A serious danger to small mammals and other birds is a white, or polar, owl. She has excellent vision, so from a small height (most often examines the area from high bumps or stones), she discovers a possible victim. After a successful hunt, it does not eat the prey as a whole, leaving everything that was not eaten to various scavengers. At the same time, an owl can do without food for a long time, but this significantly affects the appearance of offspring.

The abundance of rivers and direct access to the seas and the ocean are the reason that many waterfowl live in the tundra. Among them, a special place is tundra swan   - Another rare animal in danger of extinction. Tundra swans feed on algae, plants growing near water, and also fish. The short duration of the summer period makes animals grow young in a short time: on average, this occurs in 40 days.

Another representative of waterfowl - loon. On land it is a clumsy bird, easy prey for predators, but it is almost impossible to catch it on water: thanks to its streamlined body shape and sharp beak, the loon is an excellent diver. This skill allows not only to fish for food, but also to avoid many dangers.

Aquatic mammals

Many mammals live in the water. From low temperatures they are saved by a thick layer of subcutaneous fat. Some also have thick hair, for example, a sea lion. Such protection allows him to dive to a depth of up to 400 meters. In the warm season, sea lions often go ashore to bask in the sun. In this case, they move on four limbs.

Seals have become a symbol of the tundra.. They live in coastal areas, due to their mode of life. They extract food in water, and breed on land. The nose and ears of the seal are built so that when immersed they close tightly. An interesting fact is that this animal is able to hold its breath for up to one hour, and this allows you to escape from land predators.

Another characteristic of tundra regions animal walrus. Its mass varies from one ton to one and a half, and the size of the body reaches five meters. Walruses are known for their large and powerful tusks. Their intended purpose may seem surprising: walrus tusks dig up the bottom in search of mollusks, which make up the bulk of their diet. But if his life is in danger, walruses use tusks as a formidable weapon. In addition, this is a status issue: the longer the tusk, the greater authority the walrus enjoys in its group.

The tundra is characterized by a cold and humid subarctic climate. Almost no seasonal summer. Summer is cold: it lasts only a few weeks at an average monthly temperature of no more than + 15 ° C. And winters, on the contrary, are long. The temperature can drop to 50 ° C below zero. A feature of the tundra is permafrost.

Due to the influence of the Arctic, the climate is excessively humid, but low temperatures do not allow moisture to be absorbed into the soil or evaporate, therefore, wetlands form. The soil is oversaturated with moisture, but contains very little humus. Strong, cold winds blow throughout the year. The most difficult natural conditions determine the poor flora and fauna. Few representatives of the flora are adapted to the harsh climate.

Tundra flora

Many mosses and lichens of the tundra can be found in other climatic zones: chylocomium, pleurocium, cuckoo flax. But some, for example, reindeer moss, grow exclusively in the alpine tundra.

These plants receive nutrients and water from the atmosphere, so there is no need to extract them from the soil. There are no real roots, but the purpose of the filamentous processes is the attachment of a plant to the surface. These features explain the abundance of mosses and lichens in the tundra.

Perennial stunted plants also grow in the tundra: shrubs and grasses. Among the bushes, the most common are blueberries and cloudberries. Among the herbal plants it should be noted: alpine meadow, squat fescue, arctic bluegrass.

Only occasionally in the places protected from the wind there are lonely dwarf trees: polar willows, dwarf birches, northern alder. The height of these trees is not more than half a meter. There are no tall trees in the tundra. They cannot take root, since even in the warmest time of the year the earth thaws no more than 30-50 cm. Because of this, the roots cannot absorb the necessary moisture.

In addition, over a short summer, the integumentary tissue does not have time to form on the shoots, and when the temperature drops, the trees freeze.

In the tundra, all plants have xeromorphic characters, that is, they are adapted to lack of moisture: many have a waxy coating or hair, the leaves of the plants are small and often folded. Thus, representatives of the flora are somehow adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the tundra.

The tundra is a natural zone of the subarctic belt located between the ice zone in the north and the forest-tundra in the south. It is characterized by excessive moisture with a lack of heat, treelessness, widespread moss and lichen cover, the presence of undersized shrubs and shrubs. The term “tundra” is borrowed from the Sami language, who live on the Kola Peninsula and call the tundra treeless mountain peaks. The tundra of Russia stretched a wide strip along the northern borders.

The tundra in Russia is occupied by the Arctic islands Kolguev, Vaigach, the southern island of Novaya Zemlya and the mainland coast of the Arctic Ocean from the Kola Peninsula in the west to Kamchatka in the east.

The average July temperature here is + 10-14 ° С. The annual rainfall is 300-400 mm. Precipitation falls significantly more than it can evaporate, so the forest-tundra is one of the most boggy natural zones. Snow melt waters predominate in the rivers ’nutrition; therefore, floods on rivers occur in summer when snow melts. Forest-tundra rivers have a warming effect on climatic conditions in the valleys; therefore, woody vegetation penetrates far into the tundra along river valleys. In addition, river valleys protect forests from the fierce winds that occur there. Forest islands consist of birch, spruce, and larch. The trees are stunted, bent in some places to the ground. In the interfluve, there are low-growing sparse forests with lichen cover. They alternate with shrubby tundra. The influence of permafrost on the species composition of vegetation

In the warm season in the tundra zone, the soil thaws only to a depth of not more than 50 centimeters. Next is a layer of permafrost. This factor is one of the decisive factors in the resettlement of plants in the tundra zone. The same factor affects their species diversity.

Permafrost has a significant impact on the terrain. Freezing and thawing of rocks leads to their deformation. As a result of the heaving process, surface forms such as tubercles appear. Their height is not more than two meters above sea level, but the appearance of such forms also affects the vegetation of the tundra, its distribution over a certain territory.

Flora of forest-tundra

Forest-tundra swamps are rich in peat, medicinal mosses, herbs, berries, and the species composition of animals is quite diverse.

In the tundra, only the uppermost layer of soil and the lowest layer of air adjacent to the earth's surface are most favorable for plant life. Both layers are measured in just a few centimeters. It is not surprising, therefore, that many tundra plants are very stunted, they are spread on the ground, and their root systems grow mainly in the horizontal direction and almost do not go in depth. There are many plants in the tundra with leaves collected in a rosette, creeping shrubs. All these plants, due to their short stature, make the best use of the heat of the surface air layer and protect themselves from excessive evaporation caused by strong winds.

Mosses and lichens play a very important role in the vegetation cover of the tundra. There are many types of them, and they often form a continuous carpet in vast spaces. Most of the mosses and lichens found in the tundra are, for example, many green mosses (pleurocium, chylocomium, cuckoo flax) (lichens from the genus cladonia (this includes deer moss and other species related to it). However, there are specific tundra species moss and lichen.

Both mosses and lichens tolerate the harsh conditions of the tundra. These undersized unpretentious plants can ’winter under the protection of even a thin snow cover, and sometimes even without it.

The main mass of flowering plants of the tundra are shrubs, shrubs and perennial grasses. Shrubs differ from shrubs only ’smaller in size - they are almost the same height as small grasses. On flat tundra spaces, where the snow cover is not deep, both shrubs and shrubs are low, they do not rise above the snow. Among these plants, we find some dwarf species of willow (for example, grassy willow), ledum, blueberries, blueberries, dwarf birch. It often happens that shrubs are located in the thickness of a thick moss-lichen cover, almost not rising above it. These plants seem to seek protection from mosses and lichens. Almost all grassy plants of the tundra are perennial. Perennial herbaceous plants of the tundra are stunted. Among them there are some cereals (squid fescue, Alpine meadow, Arctic bluegrass, Alpine foxtail, etc.) and sedge (for example, hard sedge). There are also few legumes (astragalus umbelliferus, unclear penny, damselfish). A characteristic feature of tundra forbs is large, brightly colored flowers. Their coloring is the most diverse - white, yellow, raspberry, orange, blue, etc. When the tundra blooms, it looks like a colorful colorful rug. The tundra usually blooms immediately, suddenly - after the first warm days have arrived. And very many plants bloom at the same time.

Plants and animals of the tundra and forest-tundra are well adapted to harsh conditions. Forest-tundra is covered with sparse island forests, the basis of which is Siberian spruce, larch, and birch. A characteristic feature of this zone is the presence of a large number of sphagnum peat bogs, tundra-permafrost marsh and gley-podzolic soils. Among the riverine floodplains, sod-meadow soils, which in summertime cover variegated meadows, have spread. Here you can find buttercup, twinkle, valerian, berry. In both summer and autumn, meadows are an excellent pasture for deer, as well as a wonderful habitat for birds and animals.

The reasons why the forest in the north gravitates towards river valleys are diverse. These are, first of all, favorable microclimatic conditions of the valleys, the best drainage, deep occurrence of permafrost, and the sandy composition of alluvium.

Interesting features of the flora of the tundra. Most of the months of the year, this area has a dull appearance. Rare, stunted plants are either hidden under the snow, or bend to the ground itself by strong cold winds. But when spring comes, everything changes. For a short time, the dull terrain turns into a colorful colorful rug.

Arctic moss

This plant is most commonly found in the tundra zone. Grows on the surface of the soil, but prefers ponds. The plant is interesting in that it does not have a root system, but attaches to the soil with the help of rhizoids - long, thin threads. This species is rich in nutrients, and also grows all year. Therefore, it serves as one of the main sources of nutrition for many animals, birds during their migration. Arctic moss is of particular interest to scientists, since by its example one can trace the natural evolution of life in a harsh climate.

Bearberry ordinary

it is called a bear berry, although in reality it is birds and birds that love it. Dense red berries, small green leaves attract the feathered inhabitants of the tundra. Bearberry bushes are stunted, located almost at the very surface of the soil. And the berries themselves can be on them all year, hiding in the winter under the snow

Cloudberry

Cloudberry is a perennial herb. Interestingly, she is a close relative of raspberries, they belong to the same genus. However, unlike raspberries, cloudberries are not shrubs, and the berries of both are only similar in appearance, but their color is different.

Ledum

A low, beautifully flowering shrub with small leaves slightly bent around the edges. The stem and leaves of Ledum are covered with peculiar hairs, which helps him to keep warm in the harsh climate of the tundra. It is unusual that the bush is not eaten by animals, since parts of the plant smell quite sharply, and besides are poisonous

Diamond sheet

This plant belongs to the willow family. However, it has significant differences from its relatives. The diamond leaf resembles a stunted willow, growing almost near the ground. Like Ledum, its trunk, stems, roots are covered with hairs that retain heat. But unlike him, a diamond sheet is not toxic, it is consumed by people and animals. The plant is rich in vitamins and calcium, which makes it a reliable protection against scurvy.

Video

Sources

http://www.geo-site.ru/index.php/2011-01-09-16-50-20/68/572-2011-09-18-17-58-58.html

The vegetation of the tundra and forest-tundra, its forms, methods of plant propagation, and adaptability to survival largely depend on the features that characterize these zones.

Geographical position

The location of the tundra zone falls on the Earth. On the continent of Eurasia, it stretches along the entire coast of the seas of the Arctic Ocean for tens of thousands of kilometers. The northern coast of mainland North America is also occupied by the tundra. The length of the zone from north to south is on average about 500 kilometers. In addition, the tundra occupies some islands near Antarctica. In the mountains, where altitudinal zonation is expressed, mountain tundra are formed. Given all the territories where the zone is located, its total area on the planet is calculated. It is about 3 million km2.

Lesotundra is a zone where tundra vegetation and taiga vegetation are located in small areas. The forest-tundra stretches from west to east south of the tundra on the continents of Eurasia and North America. The length of the strip from north to south ranges from 30 to 400 kilometers. On its southern borders, the forest-tundra passes into the forest zone.

Climatic conditions affecting plant growth

The climate of the tundra and forest-tundra zones is very severe. The duration of winter is from 6 to 8 months per year. Throughout this time, a constant snow cover is maintained, the air temperature sometimes drops to 50 degrees below zero. The polar night lasts about two months. Strong cold winds and snowstorms almost never subside.

Summer in the tundra is short and cool. Chance of freezing and precipitation in the form of snow. Despite the surface of the earth does not receive a large amount of heat, since the sun does not rise high above the horizon and sends scattered rays to the Earth. To survive in such conditions, the tundra vegetation must adapt.

The influence of permafrost on the species composition of vegetation

In the warm season in the tundra zone, the soil thaws only to a depth of not more than 50 centimeters. Next is a layer of permafrost. This factor is one of the decisive factors in the resettlement of plants in the tundra zone. The same factor affects their species diversity.

Permafrost has a significant impact on the terrain. Freezing and thawing of rocks leads to their deformation. As a result of the heaving process, surface forms such as tubercles appear. Their height is not more than two meters above sea level, but the appearance of such forms also affects the vegetation of the tundra, its distribution over a certain territory.

The effect of soil on the species diversity of vegetation

High in the tundra and forest-tundra zones. It is especially noticeable during snowmelt. Water cannot penetrate deep due to the presence of permafrost. Its evaporation also does not have a high intensity due to the low air temperature. For these reasons, meltwater and precipitation accumulate on the surface, forming large and small swamps.

High bogging, the presence of permafrost, the prevalence of low temperatures impede the flow of chemical and biological processes in the soil. It contains little humus, iron oxide accumulates. Tundra-gley soils are suitable for the growth of only certain types of plants. But the vegetation of the tundra also adapts to such living conditions. A person who visited these parts during the flowering period of the plants will have indelible impressions for many years - the flowering tundra is so beautiful and attractive!

In the forest-tundra, the natural fertile layer of the earth is also thin. The soil is poor in nutrients, it is characterized by high acidity. When cultivating land, a large amount of mineral and organic fertilizers is applied to the soil. In the treated areas of the forest-tundra, more diverse types of grassy vegetation, trees and shrubs are found.

Types

The vegetation of the tundra and forest-tundra largely depends on the type of their landscapes only at first glance seem monotonous.

Kochkarnaya and tuberous tundra occupy the largest territories. Among the marshes, plant turf forms mounds and hummocks, on which many plant species take root. A special type of tundra is polygonal. Here you can observe in the form of large polygons that are broken by hollows and frost cracks.

There are other approaches to the classification of such a natural zone as the tundra. What vegetation prevails in a certain territory, such will be the type of tundra. For example, moss-lichen tundra consists of areas covered by different types of mosses and lichens. There are also shrub tundra, where thickets of polar willow, cedar dwarf pine, bushy alder are common.

Plants

As mentioned earlier, the vegetation of the tundra and forest-tundra had to adapt to the harsh climatic conditions of the Earth’s subarctic belt. Otherwise, her life and development would have been impossible here.

The fitness of tundra and forest-tundra plants is expressed as follows. Most fauna species are perennials. Annual plants with a short summer would not be able to complete their life cycle. Only a small fraction of plants reproduce by seed. The main way to prolong life is vegetative.

The stunted plants of the tundra allow them to stay during strong winds. This is also facilitated by the creeping nature of the shoots and their ability to intertwine with each other, forming a kind of soft pillow. In winter, all parts of the plants are under snow. This saves them from severe frosts. Most plants of the tundra and forest-tundra have a wax coating on the leaves, which contributes to the moderate evaporation of moisture from their surface.

The vegetation of the tundra, photographs of individual species of which are presented in the article, is represented by perennial frost-resistant prevailing in the lowlands and swamps, buttercup, cotton grass, dandelion, poppy seeds. Dwarf birch, bushy alder grow from the trees. These tree species in the forest-tundra can already reach a height of three or more meters. Among shrubs, blueberries, cloudberries, blueberries, and lingonberries are widespread. On the hills, mosses and lichens take root, many of which are the main type of food for animals living in these places.

Lesotundra and taiga

The vegetation of the tundra and taiga is very different from each other. Lesotundra is a transition zone between them. On the territory of the forest-tundra, among the forestless space, you can find islands of thickets of spruce, birch, larch and other tree species.

The forest-tundra zone is unique, since tundra vegetation and taiga vegetation are found on its territory, which becomes more noticeable with the advance to the south. Forest areas, consisting of individual species of trees and shrubs, create the most favorable conditions for the growth of grassy vegetation. Thanks to trees and shrubs, the wind speed decreases, more snow is delayed, which covers the plants, saving them from freezing.

Study of vegetation of the subarctic belt

The vegetation cover of the tundra and forest-tundra has not yet been fully studied. A systematic scientific description of the species growing here began only in the middle of the last century.

To continue this work, special expeditions are being created today. During them, scientists also try to establish how the animals living in these zones influence the vegetation of the tundra and forest-tundra. They want answers to questions about whether the species diversity of plants in areas protected from the presence of certain animal species is changing, how much time is required for the complete restoration of the destroyed vegetation cover. So far, scientists have not found answers to all questions regarding the natural equilibrium in the zone of the subarctic belt of the planet.

Fauna protection

The nature of the tundra and forest-tundra is very vulnerable. The restoration of the soil layer, vegetation cover requires more than a dozen years, and in some cases centuries.
Man has long realized that it is he who has a detrimental effect on the nature of the tundra and forest-tundra. Trying to atone, people created a number of nature reserves, national parks, and nature reserves. They are located both in Russia and other countries of the world.