Lecture on Arctic and Antarctic Biomes
Introduction to Polar Biomes
- The Arctic and Antarctic are the last of Earth's biomes.
- Characterized by extreme cold and limited sunlight.
- Tundra and ice biomes dominate these regions.
Characteristics of Polar Biomes
- Tundra:
- Summer temperatures rarely exceed 10°C.
- Supports only hardy vegetation like shrubs, herbs, moss, and lichens.
- Found around the Arctic Ocean, North America, Greenland, Russia.
- Permafrost leads to bogs and lakes due to poor drainage.
- Limited growing seasons (50-60 days).
- Ice Biome:
- Permanently covered by ice with temperatures below 0°C.
- No plant life due to permanent frost and deep ice.
Climate and Geography
- Polar regions receive sunlight obliquely, minimizing heat.
- Found also at high altitudes (e.g., Rockies, Andes, Alps, Himalayas).
- However, these areas are small compared to Arctic and Antarctic.
Flora and Fauna
- Tundra Flora:
- Lichen, mosses, sedges, cotton grass.
- Some grasses, low willows, rushes on elevated sites.
- Forest tundra with coniferous tree remnants.
- Fungi and bacteria for plant material breakdown.
- Tundra Fauna:
- Large mammals: reindeer, caribou, musk oxen, arctic wolves.
- Smaller mammals: arctic hares, foxes, lemmings.
- Animals adapted to icy climates often have white coats.
- Antarctic Fauna:
- Penguins and seals (reliant on ocean).
Environmental Threats
- Minimal direct human threat due to sparse population.
- Climate change causing melting permafrost and ice caps.
- Release of methane from permafrost, rising sea levels from ice melting.
Conclusion
- Tundra and ice part of Lonzo 8 classification system.
- Series explored various biomes from equator to poles.
- Emphasis on learning about biodiversity and ecosystems.
Final Remarks
- Encouragement to engage with and share the content.
- Invitation to support future content and upcoming series.
Note: For more detailed information, refer to the speaker’s other episodes on world climate and related topics.