Tundra - GCSE Biology Definition

Tundra is a type of biome, which is a large area of land where the environment and living things interact, found in places such as the Arctic and high mountain regions. Tundra is known for its extremely low temperatures, short growing seasons, and frozen ground called permafrost. Some plants, like mosses and small shrubs, can survive there because they are specially adapted to the harsh conditions. The tundra is also home to animals such as reindeer, Arctic foxes, and snowy owls, which have adaptations that help them survive in cold climates. Because the tundra has low biodiversity, it is a fragile ecosystem that can be easily affected by environmental changes. Studying the tundra helps us understand how organisms adapt to extreme conditions and how ecosystems respond to changes like global warming.