Cold Environments Flashcards
What are the main characteristics of polar environments?
Polar environments are characterized by extreme cold, ice-covered surfaces, and limited vegetation.
True or False: Tundra environments have a layer of permafrost.
True
Fill in the blank: The tundra is primarily found in the ______ and ______ hemispheres.
Arctic, Antarctic
What type of vegetation is commonly found in tundra regions?
Mosses, lichens, low shrubs, and grasses.
Which animal is known for its thick fur and blubber, helping it survive in polar environments?
Polar bear
Multiple choice: What is the primary challenge faced by animals in tundra environments?
A) Food scarcity
B) Overheating
C) Predation
D) Competition
A) Food scarcity
What adaptation helps Arctic foxes survive in extreme cold?
A thick coat of fur that changes color with the seasons.
True or False: Caribou migrate to find food during the winter months.
True
What is the significance of the tundra’s short growing season?
It limits the types of plants that can grow and affects the food chain.
Fill in the blank: The primary source of food for many polar animals is ______.
Sea ice and marine life.
What is one opportunity for economic development in Alaska related to its polar environment?
Oil and gas exploration.
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
D) All of the above
What adaptation allows penguins to thrive in polar regions?
Their ability to swim and dive for food in icy waters.
True or False: The tundra has a high biodiversity compared to other ecosystems.
False
What impact does climate change have on polar and tundra environments?
It leads to melting ice, habitat loss, and changes in species distributions.
Fill in the blank: The ______ is a cold, treeless area located in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Tundra
Which animal is known for its migration patterns across the tundra?
Caribou
What is one challenge that indigenous communities in Alaska face due to environmental changes?
Changes in traditional hunting and fishing practices.
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
D) All of the above
What is the role of blubber in marine mammals like seals?
It provides insulation and energy reserves.
True or False: All polar animals are white to blend in with their environment.
False
What is an example of a plant that is adapted to tundra conditions?
Arctic willow
Fill in the blank: The Arctic Ocean is surrounded by ______ regions.
Polar
What is the primary reason for the low population density in tundra areas?
Harsh climate and limited resources.
Multiple choice: Which adaptation helps animals conserve heat in polar regions? A) Thick fur B) Small ears C) Hibernation D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the primary diet of polar bears?
Seals
True or False: Tundra ecosystems are resilient and can easily recover from disturbances.
False
Where are tundra environments found?
They are found south of the ice caps in the northern hemisphere in much of Canada and Russia
What fraction of the earth’s land surface do cold environments cover?
¼ of the earth’s land surface
What is the most extreme cold environment
Polar environments
State adaptations of animals in polar regions
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)
State adaptations of plants in polar regions
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
State adaptations of animals in tundra regions.
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
State the adaptations of plants in tundra regions
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
