Tundra :
Location : Tundra biome places in far north between the arctic ocean and polar ice caps in the north and the coniferous forests to the south. It ranges across Asia, Europe and North America above 60°N latitude. It presents only in the arctic region, hence, called Arctic Tundra.
Physical Conditions : Tundra is characterised by severer winter with a short duration of 60 days. Mean temperature varies between -35°C to 13°C. Annual rainfall is less than 25 cm. The ground remains permanently frozen and only top soil up to a depth of only a few centimetres thaws in summer. The permanent frozen duper layer is called permafrost.
Flora or Vegetation : Tundra is considered as the Arctic desert and remains frozen for most of the time. This lacs trees completely. Vegetations are Sedges, Lichens, Thrushes, Mosses, Flowerin herbs and grasses. Plants are generally small with stunted growth.
Fauna and Animals : They include common mammals, Reindeer, Musk Ox, Arctic Fox, Caribou, Tundra vole, Arctic Hare, Polar Bear, Lemming, Arctic Ground Squirrel, Walrus and Seel. A large number of birds visit Tundra during summer. These include, Arctic Loon, Red-throated loon, Crane, Goose, Arctic Term and Snowy Owl.
Taiga (Temperate Coniferous Forests) :
Location : These forests are situated in cold temperate regions of Asia, Europe and North America and South of Tundra. They also located in parts of New Zealand and Australia.
Physical Condition : Annual rainfall is 50 cm in di’ier regions and up to 170 cm in water parts. Lakes, Marshes and bogs are abundant, especially in the wetter areas. Soil is acidic and poorly drained. Winter temperature goes down to -20°C but the average winter temperature is about 6°C where as summer temperature reaches up to 20°C average. Summer is pleasant, but winter is chilly. Precipitation occur both as rain and snow growing season is far 100-150 days.
Flora or Vegetation : Vegetation is predominantly evergreen and coniferous. In these plants, photosynthesis continues even below -20°C. Main vegetations are Pine, Deodar, Larch, Spruce, Fir, Juniper and Yew as conifers. Birch, maple, Aspen and populus as broad leaves plants. Shrubs, herbs, ferns, mosses and lichens are abundant. Epiphytic plants are very common. Sphagnum and cotton grass occur in marshes and bogs.
Fauna or Animals : They include, insects, amphibians (Frog, tree frog), reptiles (Lizards and Snakes), birds (Grouse, Jay), mammals (Musk Rat, Pine Mouse, Beaver, Squirrel, Porcupine, Rabbit, Hare, Fox, Lynx, Puma, Weasel, Elk, Wolf, Bear etc.). Some of them undergo hibernation during winter, some migrate to warmer places. However, Reindeer and Caribou of Tundra pass the winter in this biome.
