Cold Environments

Question 1

What are the main characteristics of polar environments?

Answer 1

Polar environments are characterized by extreme cold, ice-covered surfaces, and limited vegetation.

Question 2

True or False: Tundra environments have a layer of permafrost.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The tundra is primarily found in the ______ and ______ hemispheres.

Answer 3

Arctic, Antarctic

Question 4

What type of vegetation is commonly found in tundra regions?

Answer 4

Mosses, lichens, low shrubs, and grasses.

Question 5

Which animal is known for its thick fur and blubber, helping it survive in polar environments?

Answer 5

Polar bear

Question 6

Multiple choice: What is the primary challenge faced by animals in tundra environments?
A) Food scarcity
B) Overheating
C) Predation
D) Competition

Answer 6

A) Food scarcity

Question 7

What adaptation helps Arctic foxes survive in extreme cold?

Answer 7

A thick coat of fur that changes color with the seasons.

Question 8

True or False: Caribou migrate to find food during the winter months.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What is the significance of the tundra’s short growing season?

Answer 9

It limits the types of plants that can grow and affects the food chain.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The primary source of food for many polar animals is ______.

Answer 10

Sea ice and marine life.

Question 11

What is one opportunity for economic development in Alaska related to its polar environment?

Answer 11

Oil and gas exploration.

Question 12

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a threat to tundra ecosystems? A) Climate change B) Increased tourism C) Oil drilling D) All of the above

Answer 12

D) All of the above

Question 13

What adaptation allows penguins to thrive in polar regions?

Answer 13

Their ability to swim and dive for food in icy waters.

Question 14

True or False: The tundra has a high biodiversity compared to other ecosystems.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

What impact does climate change have on polar and tundra environments?

Answer 15

It leads to melting ice, habitat loss, and changes in species distributions.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The ______ is a cold, treeless area located in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Answer 16

Tundra

Question 17

Which animal is known for its migration patterns across the tundra?

Answer 17

Caribou

Question 18

What is one challenge that indigenous communities in Alaska face due to environmental changes?

Answer 18

Changes in traditional hunting and fishing practices.

Question 19

Multiple choice: What factor primarily determines the types of animals that can live in polar environments? A) Temperature B) Precipitation C) Food availability D) All of the above

Answer 19

D) All of the above

Question 20

What is the role of blubber in marine mammals like seals?

Answer 20

It provides insulation and energy reserves.

Question 21

True or False: All polar animals are white to blend in with their environment.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

What is an example of a plant that is adapted to tundra conditions?

Answer 22

Arctic willow

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The Arctic Ocean is surrounded by ______ regions.

Answer 23

Polar

Question 24

What is the primary reason for the low population density in tundra areas?

Answer 24

Harsh climate and limited resources.

Question 25

Multiple choice: Which adaptation helps animals conserve heat in polar regions? A) Thick fur B) Small ears C) Hibernation D) All of the above

Answer 25

D) All of the above

Question 26

What is the primary diet of polar bears?

Answer 26

Seals

Question 27

True or False: Tundra ecosystems are resilient and can easily recover from disturbances.

Answer 27

False

Question 28

Where are tundra environments found?

Answer 28

They are found south of the ice caps in the northern hemisphere in much of Canada and Russia

Question 29

What fraction of the earth’s land surface do cold environments cover?

Answer 29

¼ of the earth’s land surface

Question 30

What is the most extreme cold environment

Answer 30

Polar environments

Question 31

State adaptations of animals in polar regions

Answer 31

Polar bear
1. Black nose absorbs sunlight
2. Large feet spread the load on snow and ice
3. Small feet reduce the load on snow and ice
4. Small ears reduce heat losses
5. Walk slowly to avoid heating

Emperor Penguins
1. Webbed feet for powerful swimming
2. Thick skin and blubber to keep warm and keep high body temperatures to remain active
3. Wings shaped like flippers to help them ‘fly’ underwater (at speeds up to 15mph)

Question 32

State adaptations of plants in polar regions

Answer 32

Bearberry
1. Leathery leaves and silky head to provide protection from the cold and wind
2. Grows slowly so it can stay out of the cold
3. Small leaves for conserving water, which can be lost through the leaf surface

Question 33

State adaptations of animals in tundra regions.

Answer 33

Caribou
1. Split hooves so they can spread apart to bear more weight without sinking into snow/ wet ground
2. Double coat - the layer next to the skin holds air and keeps them dry
3. Compact, stocky body with a short tail and ears to avoid losing body heat

Tundra swan
1. Long neck and bill aids in their search for food
2. Mainly white feathers in order to be able to blend in with their surrounds well and keep well
3. Able to migrate which helps when there are harsh conditions

Question 34

State the adaptations of plants in tundra regions

Answer 34

Labrador Tree
1. Grow low to the ground to avoid the Tundra climate
2. Red stems/leaves that use chlorophyll and solar energy from the sun to create nourishment and warm up
3. Grows silky wool on its stems to keep it warm

Caribou Moss
1. Grow close together for protection from winds
2. The tissue of the moss is not easily damaged by the frost, allowing it to survive in the Tundra