The Tundra
In Canada the tundra is located near the north pole and in and around the arctic circle, the northern regions of Canada. The tundra shows very little biodiversity* and is very susceptible to damage. It is very slow to restore due to the low temperatures of the tundra.
Climate
During the winter months, the tundras temperature can range from a -20 degrees Celsius to -30 degrees. The cold temperature limit the number of decomposers* that are in the soil who break down organic matter. The annual precipitation is very low, ranging from 10-25cm. This limits the types of plants that grow within this region.
Plants and Soil
In the tundra the soil is made up permafrost* which never thaws. There is a thin layer of soil that is called the active layer, which thaws in summer, located above the permafrost. Due to the thin soil limited trees grow. The trees aren't large because their roots can't grow deep due to the permafrost. The plants that grow are low to the ground, small and, stunted. The growing season in the tundra lasts only two months.
Animals
Like plants, the animals in the tundra are also limited in assortment. Some species include caribou, musk-ox, polar bears, arctic foxes and wolverines. Many of the bird species that are in the tundra travel south in the cold harsh winters.
*biodiversity - variety among and within plant and animal species in an environment *decomposers - organisms that break down the cells of dead plants and animals *permafrost - ground that is frozen permanently