Cold Environments Glossary

Question 1

Alpine regions

Answer 1

Cold, mountainous regions with snowy conditions and warmer summers

Question 2

Biodiversity

Answer 2

A large variety of animal and plant life living in the same ecosystem

Question 3

Climate

Answer 3

The long term weather conditions of an area

Question 4

Cold environment

Answer 4

Regions of the Earth that experience sustained below freezing temperatures

Question 5

Environmental fragility

Answer 5

The concept of an ecosystem being so sensitive to change that even small changes within the environment can have large and potentially destructive impacts

Question 6

Interdependence

Answer 6

The concept of multiple things depending on each other for survival

Question 7

Permafrost

Answer 7

Ground that is permanently frozen for at least 2 consecutive years

Question 8

Polar regions

Answer 8

Areas surrounding the poles (90 degrees N and S)

Question 9

Soil

Answer 9

The upper layer of the Earth, which is composed of organic matter and other materials

Question 10

Tundra regions

Answer 10

Areas at high latitudes, characterised by permafrost, low temperatures and short growing seasons

Question 11

Wilderness

Answer 11

An area that is untouched by humans, and therefore remains unaffected by human activity