Tundra is a type of ecosystem characterized by lichens, mosses, grasses, and dwarf woody plants, which is found at high latitudes (polar tundra) and high altitudes (alpine tundra). Arctic tundra is characterized by permafrost and, like alpine tundra, is mostly treeless, and has a short growing season. Alpine tundras can have hot summers. Thawing of permafrost from global warming and loss of habitat for tundra breeding mammals and birds are of major concern.
Keywords
arctic tundra, alpine tundra, permafrost, climate change, carbon sink, carbon cycle, polar tundra, montane ecosystems
|
