This biome, found far north and at the tops of mountains, is extremely cold; not even trees can grow there. A special
charecteristic of the tundra is known as permafrost. Permafrost is the soil beneath the top, thawed layer. The
permafrost is frozen year round. Because of the permafrost, the top layer of soil is always soggy, and lakes and ponds
are always seen. Because the soil that is not frozen is only a few inches deep, only plants with shallow roots can live
Average Temperature in Summer- 53.6°F
Average Temperature in Winter- -14°F
Average Annual Rainfall- 12-20 in.
Like I said before, the soil is not deep enough to hold deeply rooted plants. Grasses, woody shurbs, sedges, and
small bushes are commen.
Small animals, like the lemmings, hares, and shrews are very common. Also present are larger mammals such as the
caribou, wolf, Arctic Fox, polar bear, and musk oxen.
Several birds also live in this area, like the Gyrfalcon, Ruddy Turnstone, Snowy Owl, and Tundra Swan. Other migratory
birds can be seen in the summer.
The Arctic/ Antarctic is known as the second most deadly environment in the world.