Approximately 1,700 species of plants live on the Arctic tundra, including flowering plants, dwarf shrubs, herbs, grasses, mosses,
and lichens. The tundra is characterised by permafrost, a layer of soil and partially decomposed organic matter that is frozen
year-round. Only a thin layer of soil, called the active layer, thaws and refreezes each year. This makes shallow root systems a
necessity and prevents larger plants such as trees from growing in the Arctic.
Here are 2 example of plants that have adapted in Antarctica:
Arctic Willow
Pasque Flower
Arctic Willow
Although the arctic willow is a plant, it has still adapted to the Tundra's environment. During the growth season, it creates a kind
of pesticide to keep insects away from it. The plant also adapts to the permafrost by growing a root system. Finally, like how
animals grow more fur in cold weather, the arctic willow has adapted to the harsh conditions by growing small hairs on its
leaves. If the plant could not adapt, it could easily die in the freezing conditions.
Pasque Flower
Similarly to the arctic willow, the Pasque flower would not be able to survive in such a cold place if not for its adaptations. Right
under the flower part of the plant, the stem and leaves have all grown silk like hairs for insulation. It is also grown low to the
ground to stay out of colder climate.
and lichens. The tundra is characterised by permafrost, a layer of soil and partially decomposed organic matter that is frozen
year-round. Only a thin layer of soil, called the active layer, thaws and refreezes each year. This makes shallow root systems a
necessity and prevents larger plants such as trees from growing in the Arctic.
Here are 2 example of plants that have adapted in Antarctica:
Arctic Willow
Pasque Flower
Arctic Willow
Although the arctic willow is a plant, it has still adapted to the Tundra's environment. During the growth season, it creates a kind
of pesticide to keep insects away from it. The plant also adapts to the permafrost by growing a root system. Finally, like how
animals grow more fur in cold weather, the arctic willow has adapted to the harsh conditions by growing small hairs on its
leaves. If the plant could not adapt, it could easily die in the freezing conditions.
Pasque Flower
Similarly to the arctic willow, the Pasque flower would not be able to survive in such a cold place if not for its adaptations. Right
under the flower part of the plant, the stem and leaves have all grown silk like hairs for insulation. It is also grown low to the
ground to stay out of colder climate.