Characteristics of Cold Environments

Question 1

Explain the characteristics of a tundra environment

Answer 1

• Brief, warm summers
• Low growing flowers, bushes and trees
• Frozen soil (permafrost)

Question 2

Explain the characteristics of a polar environment

Answer 2

• Low precipitation
• Permanently covered in ice
• plants include mosses and lichens

Question 3

How has the bearberry plant adapted to survive cold environments

Answer 3

It has:
- thin waxy leaves to help prevent and reduce water loss
- hairy stems to keep the plant warm
- bright red berries are eaten by other animals to help distribute seeds
It is low growing to help protect itself against the harsh strong winds

Question 4

How has a polar bear adapted to endure the harsh environments

Answer 4

• polar bears have thick fur and a layer of insulating fat

- they have a black nose and footpads to help absorb the suns heat

Question 5

How has a polar bear adapted to endure the harsh tundra environments

Answer 5

• polar bears have thick fur and a layer of insulating fat

- they have a black nose and footpads to help absorb the suns heat