An Introduction to the Tundra Climate and Food Chain
The tundra is the world’s coldest biome with the main seasons being winter and summer. The air is dry because of the atmosphere’s pressure over tundra, therefore making it the driest biome in the world too. It characterizes of long, frosty winter and a short period of reasonable weather in the summer when most organisms grow and breed.
Tundra’s average annual temperature is -28 degrees Celsius making it very difficult for organisms to survive. During the winter, temperatures averages at -34 degrees Celsius where nights can last for weeks and daylight can barely last a few hours. Rainfall varies in different parts of regions and yearly precipitation (rain and snow) ranges from 15-25 cm. Under all the water and snow is frozen soil.
During summer, the temperature is an average of 3-12 degrees Celsius with sun shining nearly 24 hours a day in the Arctic Tundra. Therefore, the Arctic Tundra is also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. During the summer, the weather is warm resulting in snow melting. Although the snow melts, it doesn’t melt fast enough before winter re-approaches. The evaporation of moisture from the ground surface and upper soil horizons is slow in most areas because of the low atmosphere temperatures. This also enables plants to grow continuously with sufficient moisture supporting them. Melted water develops into lakes and rivers over a short period of time.
(Amanda)
More information on the Climate and Food Chain (I.L)
Average Monthly Precipitation & Temperature in Tundra
Food Web
Pyramid of Energy
General Symbiotic Relationships