In physical geography, tundra is a type of biome where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons. Tundra vegetation is composed of dwarf shrubs, sedges, grasses, mosses, and lichens. Scattered trees grow in some tundra regions. The ecotone (or ecological boundary region) between the tundra and the forest is known as the tree line or timberline. The tundra soil is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus.

There are three regions and associated types of tundra: Arctic tundra, alpine tundra, and Antarctic tundra.

Tundra Ecosystem

Tundra ecosystems are treeless regions found in the Arctic and on the tops of mountains, where the climate is cold and windy, and rainfall is scant. Tundra lands are covered with snow for much of the year, but summer brings bursts of wildflowers.

The Tundra plays a large role in the temperature regulation of the planet. As warm air rises from the tropical zone it is cooled in the Tundra causing it to sink back down to the equator. This causes weather and air currents. Without this system climate as we know it would change drastically around the world.

Tundra plants have developed adaptations that help them thrive in this harsh climate. Their short height makes them less vulnerable to strong tundra winds, and shallow roots allow them to pull moisture from the soil above the permafrost.

Arctic Moss , Arctic Willow, Caribou Moss, Labrador Tea, Arctic Poppy, Cotton Grass, Lichens and Moss. Animals have many adaptations to survive in this harsh environment. Animals need shelter and insulation in the Tundra. The animals here tend to have thicker and warmer feathers and fur.

On the tundra, human activity includes residential, recreational and industrial uses Many of the permanent residents of tundra regions are indigenous people, such as Alaska's Aleut and Inuit tribes, and rely on subsistence hunting and gathering in order to survive.

Air pollution can also harm or kill the important food source of lichen. Industrial activity. The oil, gas, and mining industries can disrupt fragile tundra habitats. Drilling wells can thaw permafrost, while heavy vehicles and pipeline construction can damage soil and prevent vegetation from returning

Characteristics of tundra include:

• Extremely cold climate.
• Low biotic diversity.
• Simple vegetation structure.
• Limitation of drainage.
• Short season of growth and reproduction.
• Energy and nutrients in the form of dead organic material.
• Large population oscillations.

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