Tundra is the cold, treeless region around the poles that has permafrost as one of its defining features. Even at the height of summer, the soil a few centimetres under the surface remains frozen. The tundra therefore lacks animals that dig deep burrows and plants that require deep root systems. The permafrost, plus the short summer and seasonal waterlogging, also explains why trees don't grow here.

What does it sound like?

  1. Wind over tundra
  2. Tundra atmosphere

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Earth Explorers

  • The tundra comes to life

    Canada's Barrenlands live up to their name for most of the year, but for four weeks in midsummer they burst into life.

  • Shackleton's Legacy

    Royal marines use South Georgia's tough environment for training. But does the island's wildlife also venture inland?

About Tundra

In physical geography, tundra is a biome where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons. The term tundra comes from Kildin Sami tūndâr, which means "uplands, treeless mountain tract." There are three types of tundra: Arctic tundra,alpine tundra, and antarctic tundra In tundra, the vegetation is composed of dwarf shrubs, sedges and grasses, mosses, and lichens. Scattered trees grow in some tundra. The ecotone (or ecological boundary region) between the tundra and the forest is known as the tree line or timberline.

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Other Terrestrial Habitats

Ecozones where this habitat is found

Useful adaptations for this habitat

Where you find Tundra

Map showing the location of the Tundra habitat

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