2.4.3

Adaptations of Plants to Cold Environments

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How are Plants Adapted to Tundra Environments?

Plants in tundra environments need to survive extremely low temperatures and exposure to the wind (because there aren't many trees to provide shelter).

Dormancy

Dormancy

  • Dormancy is a period of time when the plant does not grow. Pansies and coneflowers are examples of plants that go dormant.
  • Going dormant helps plants survive winter in the tundra.
Small plants

Small plants

  • Plants are usually very small in the tundra (moss, lichen etc).
  • This is expected because there are not many nutrients in the soil, but it also is one way to shelter from the wind.
  • Plants' leaves are usually very small if plants have any leaves at all.
Shallow roots

Shallow roots

  • Deep roots are good for competing with other plants for lots of nutrients.
  • However, there is a permafrost layer in polar and tundra regions. Therefore, plants cannot have long roots, so there is no point in having long roots.
  • Moss is easy to rub off because its roots are not very deep relative to trees.
Bulbs for reproduction

Bulbs for reproduction

  • In warmer climates, plants may reproduce by spreading seeds.
  • In the tundra or polar biome, the seeds are unlikely to survive.
  • To reproduce, plants may effectively insert seeds underground using runners or bulbs. This helps protect and incubate the next generation of plants.
Jump to other topics
1

The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1

Natural Hazards

1.2

Tectonic Hazards

1.3

Weather Hazards

1.4

Climate Change

2

The Living World

2.1

Ecosystems

2.2

Tropical Rainforests

2.3

Hot Deserts

2.4

Tundra & Polar Environments

3

Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1

The UK Physical Landscape

3.2

Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3

River Landscapes in the UK

3.4

Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4

Urban Issues & Challenges

5

The Changing Economic World

5.1

The Changing Economic World

5.2

Economic Development in the UK

6

The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1

Resource Management

6.2

Food

6.3

Water

6.4

Energy

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