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Arctic Tundra Animal Adaptations (Animals (Polar Bear (oily coat reduces…
Arctic Tundra Animal Adaptations
Common Adaptations
heavy fur coats
camouflage that changes with the seasons
body shape to prevent heat loss
migration and hibernation
hibernation: combination of physical and behavioral adaptations including sleeping for long periods and utilizing stored energy to maintain body functions
trap air in fur coats to insulate
layers of fat to maintain heat
raise young quickly in the summer
insulation in the form of fat
Biome Characteristics
long cold winter, short cool summer
low biotic diversity
large population oscillations
37-54˚F in summer; -30˚F in winter
6-10 inches of snowmelt
bogs and ponds may form, providing water and nutrients to plants
no deep root systems in plants
Animals
Most animals do not live in the tundra year round. Many birds will only stay in the tundra during the summer months.
Musk Ox
grows two layers of fur to trap air and act as insulation
large, hard hooves to break ice allowing ox to drink
huddle together
Lemmings
lots of fur
burrow into the snow keeping them warm and away from predators
Arctic Hares
spend time in groups, offering protection from predators and keeps them warm
can run up to 40mph to outrun predators
long claws for digging and defense
Arctic Ground Squirrels
before winter, they line their burrows with insulating items such as musk ox hair, lichens, and leaves
during sleep, their body temperature drops to just above freezing, and their heart rates slow
hibernate for seven months in a near vegetative state
Tundra and Arctic Foxes
short legs, smaller and rounder ears, shorter muzzle
fur coat and thick undercoat: overcoat is thick and long, soft fur underneath traps air that is warmed and acts as insulation
Polar Bear
oily coat reduces moisture from water
body heat is trapped in a layer of insulating fur
layer of blubber underneath skin
huge feet act as snow shoes
Ptarmagin
feathered feet act as snow shoes
feathers turn white to match snow; molt throughout the year to match their environment
Walrus
thick layer of blubber keeps it warm
tusks allow the walrus to pull itself up out of the water
grooves on flippers allow the walrus to grip snow
Caribou
large hooves for gripping
antlers for defense
grow thicker coats in winter
hollow hair acts as a life jacket when crossing streams as well as preserves body heat
Snowy Owl
feathery feet, giant talons, and sharp eyesight, make these animals good hunters
slit in feathers allows them to fly silently
Sources
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/tundraA.html
https://sciencing.com/important-heat-energy-physical-science-8496466.html\
https://www.conservationinstitute.org/tundra-animals-6-arctic-animals-perfectly-adapted-for-life-in-the-cold/
https://allthatsinteresting.com/animal-adaptations#2
https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.php