Until recently, the tundra acted as a carbon sink and captured huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as part of photosynthesis. That process helped keep the amount of this greenhouse gas from accumulating in the atmosphere. Today, however, as the permafrost melts and dead plant material decomposes and releases greenhouse gases, the tundra has flipped from a carbon sink to a carbon contributor. That means not only is the planet less capable of preventing greenhouse gases from accumulating, but the tundra is also contributing to their buildup.
Scientists are still learning about what else the permafrost harbors, and what could be released as it thaws. Recently a study found that it is also the largest store of mercury on the planet and could release the toxic heavy metal into the environment, to harmful effect. All rights reserved. What Are Tundras?
Plants and animals in tundras Mountain goats, sheep, marmots, and birds live in mountain—or alpine—tundra and feed on the low-lying plants and insects. See all of National Geographic's videos about tundra ecosystems here. Share Tweet Email. Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city Caracals have learned to hunt around the urban edges of Cape Town, though the predator faces many threats, such as getting hit by cars.
India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country.
This also makes the tundra an insect-rich environment, supporting species of mosquitoes, flies and midges. Larger animals like mountain goats, foxes and caribou have adapted to live in the tundra's barren wasteland. Frederick S. Blackmon's love for fiction and theater eventually led to a career writing screenplays for the film and television industry. While living in Florida, Blackmon began exploring issues on global warming, health and environmental science.
He spent two years as a Parkour and free-running instructor as well. Now he writes everything from how-to blogs to horror films. What Is the Landscape of the Tundra? Tundra Characteristics.
Why Is the Tundra so Important? Tundra is found in the regions just below the ice caps of the Arctic, extending across North America, to Europe, and Siberia in Asia.
Much of Alaska and about half of Canada are in the tundra biome. Tundra is also found at the tops of very high mountains elsewhere in the world. Temperatures are frequently extremely cold, but can get warm in the summers. The temperatures are so cold that there is a layer of permanently frozen ground below the surface, called permafrost.
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Species go extinct every year, but historically the average rate of extinction has been very slow with a few exceptions.
The fossil record reveals five uniquely large mass extinction events during which significant events such as asteroid strikes and volcanic eruptions caused widespread extinctions over relatively short periods of time.
Some scientists think we might have entered our sixth mass extinction event driven largely by human activity. Our planet is dependent on an interconnected system. If we lose one species, how does that impact the whole system? What if we lose hundreds? Help your students understand the gravity of extinction with these classroom resources. Climate-driven changes in these harsh lands at the ends of the planet could have a worldwide impact.
Blizzards are predicted to become more intense in the face of climate change, despite shorter winters and rising global temperatures. Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on National Geographic's resources for you and your students. Skip to content.
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