Low-growing tundra vegetation displays fall colors in California's . [34], There is some ambiguity on whether Magellanic moorland, on the west coast of Patagonia, should be considered tundra or not. Arctic tundra contains areas of stark landscape and is frozen for much of the year. ", "As Permafrost Thaws, Scientists Study the Risks", "Carbon loss from an unprecedented Arctic tundra wildfire", "Increased rainfall stimulates permafrost thaw across a variety of Interior Alaskan boreal ecosystems", "Decomposition of old organic matter as a result of deeper active layers in a snow depth manipulation experiment", "Vulnerability of Permafrost Carbon to Climate Change: Implications for the Global Carbon Cycle", "Interactions between organic matter and Fe oxides at soil micro-interfaces: Quantification, associations, and influencing factors", "Iron mineral dissolution releases iron and associated organic carbon during permafrost thaw", "The importance of "Deep" organic carbon in permafrost-affected soils of Arctic Alaska", "Sizable pool of labile organic carbon in peat and mineral soils of permafrost peatlands, western Siberia", "Trajectories of the Earth System in the Anthropocene", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "Estimated effect of the permafrost carbon feedback on the zero emissions commitment to climate change", "Subsea permafrost carbon stocks and climate change sensitivity estimated by expert assessment", "Large stocks of peatland carbon and nitrogen are vulnerable to permafrost thaw", Chapter 9: Ocean, Cryosphere and Sea Level Change, Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. However, some portions of the continent, particularly the Antarctic Peninsula, have areas of rocky soil that support plant life. Tundra form in two distinct cold and dry regions. You will help the development of the site, sharing the page with your friends, What is the tundra and its characteristics, Free course UPV construction procedures: land in civil works and building, The land that seeks its leading role in architecture, How to make natural insecticides for plants, How to transplant rose bushes step by step, Types of kitchens: Layouts and what you should look at, Ireland to plant 440 million trees to combat climate change, Impressive 198 m wind turbine construction video, Zaha Hadid Architects Airport Opens In China With Insane Data. While a desert is usually hot, average temperatures on the Arctic tundra range between -25 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more here. Tundra Plants and Animals Coral reef photo by Marguerite Gregory 2004 California Academy of Sciences. Fox-Kemper, B., H.T. University of California Museum of Paleontology, Home | Online exhibits | The world's biomes. Now, the arctic tundra is located in the northern hemisphere and includes Alaska, Siberia, northern Canada, southern Greenland and the arctic coast of Europe. The weather conditions in tundras feature lots of snow and cold with just a hint of sunshine for a small part of the year. Valley Life Sciences Building hours and directions. However, in the tundra some plants are born that grow with very little or no amount of land and during the summer season, it is filled with many very small alpine flowers, which fill that dark landscape with life and color; and turns it into a lush green landscape with moss, lichens, sedges, grasses and dwarf shrubs. From left: tundra near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada; tundra in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. Alpine tundra is located on mountains throughout the world at high altitude where trees cannot grow. The average elevation where alpine tundra occurs is generally higher near the Equator than at the poles. Notable plants in the Arctic tundra include blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), reindeer lichen (Cladonia rangiferina), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum). Arctic tundras are sometimes the subject of habitat conservation programs. Terrestrial Biome - Tundra. These 6 Viking myths are compelling, but are they true? Generally daytime temperatures during the summer rise to about 12C (54F) but can often drop to 3C (37F) or even below freezing. The Antipodes Subantarctic Islands tundra ecoregion includes the Bounty Islands, Auckland Islands, Antipodes Islands, the Campbell Island group, and Macquarie Island. [13] The amount of carbon that will be released from warming conditions depends on depth of thaw, carbon content within the thawed soil, physical changes to the environment[14] and microbial and vegetation activity in the soil. the heat from the ground. Alpine tundra is located in the tropical and subtropical mountains of Eurasia, and part of North America. Alaska in the United States also experiences the midnight sun. They usually develop in groups, which allows them to protect each other against the cold, and the particles of ice and snow that are dragged by strong winds. Because of constant immigration and emigration, the population continually oscillates. The gley-type soil has a large percentage of ferrous iron, which is why its color is grey-green. The color in some of these animals is white and it helps them to hide in the snow, in this way they can escape from predators more easily. Antarctica's two flowering plant species, the Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis), are found on the northern and western parts of the Antarctic Peninsula. In the tundra we could also get a type of dwarf shrub, such as lichens, in addition to heaths, sedges. Alpine tundra is generally better drained than arctic soils. The word permafrost is short-form for the permanently frozen soil, which starts within a meter of the soil surface. The two major nutrients are nitrogen and phosphorus. chemistry Permafrostperennially frozen groundis a significant feature of the Arctic tundra; however, it does not typically occur in alpine regions. Very few living organisms make their home in the tundra due to the harsh environment. Characteristics of tundra include: Extremely cold climate; Low biotic diversity; Simple vegetation structure; Limitation of drainage Animal-friendly laws are gaining traction across the U.S. COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we thought. The tundra biome is a cold and treeless plain where harsh conditions make it hard for plants and animals alike to survive. Heres how to save yours from ending up in a landfill. The relatively few species of plants and animals that live in the harsh conditions of the tundra are essentially clinging to life. Arctic tundra are found on high-latitude landmasses, above the Arctic Circlein Alaska, Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia, for exampleor on far southern regions, like Antarctica. Humble, low-lying perennial plants provide food for the unique community of animals that live there. Mountain goats, sheep, marmots, and birds live in mountainor alpinetundra and feed on the low-lying plants and insects. The polar night of the tundra is instead the opposite phenomenon that occurs from the midnight sun, that is, during the winter, in the areas near the poles the sun is hidden for days, and can last up to months hidden, a situation that increases the nights in the tundra. Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. Heres how different cold and flu drugs work, Searching for traces of the ancient Chola dynasty, This desert oasis is a time capsule of Egypts grand past, This mysterious son of a witch founded Glasgow, Singapores art and culture scene is a love letter to its city, An adventure across Abu Dhabis diverse landscapes, Photograph by Rich Reid, Nat Geo Image Collection. It is noted for its frost-molded landscapes, extremely low temperatures, little precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons. Characteristics of tundra include: Extremely cold climate Low biotic diversity Simple vegetation structure Limitation of drainage Short season of growth and reproduction Energy and nutrients in the form of dead organic material Large population oscillations During the summer months in the Arctic Circle, the sun does not completely disappear below the horizon. As for its geology, as we have mentioned previously, it is characterized by the presence of a stable ice layer located at shallow depth called permafrost, although we can also find large frozen surfaces which melt in the summer months giving rise to swamps or bogs. Animals in the tundra are also adapted to extreme conditions, and they take advantage of the temporary explosion of plant and insect life in the short growing season. Polar bears come to the tundra for the summer to give birth to their babies. This soil is referred to as permafrost. These are the following: Since this is a very interesting and attractive type of ecosystem, with cold and sparsely populated places, then this causes the tundra features are very particular, and extremely difficult to find in other parts of the world. All this means that tundras are a kind of treeless plains, these can be located primarily in the northern hemisphere, approximately along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and in the southern hemisphere in Antarctica. The flora presently consists of around 300400 species of lichens, 100 mosses, 25 liverworts, and around 700 terrestrial and aquatic algae species, which live on the areas of exposed rock and soil around the shore of the continent. During the winter it is very cold, dark, and windy with the average temperature around 28C (18F), sometimes dipping as low as 50C (58F). Arctic tundra is located in the northern hemisphere, encircling the north pole and extending south to the coniferous forests of the taiga. Permafrost tundra includes vast areas of northern Russia and Canada. This means the red fox is now competing with the Arctic fox for food and territory, and the long-term impact on the sensitive Arctic fox is unknown. it is found above 66 1/2 degrees northern arctic cycle and 66 1/2 south of the equator (antarctic circle) it has cold winter with temperature varying between -29 Celsius centigrade to -40 Celsius centigrade. Tundras get fewer than ten inches of rain each year, less than any other biome. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. [12], Carbon emissions from permafrost thaw contribute to the same warming which facilitates the thaw, making it a positive climate change feedback. Low-growing tundra vegetation displays fall colors in California's Kings Canyon National Park. Generally, these are subjected to a series of adaptations that allow their survival in such a hostile territory, growing near rocks that protect them from the wind, being able to germinate and flower quickly in the summer months and keeping small dimensions that allow them to absorb. Features of Tundra Ecosystem There are only two seasons: winter, which lasts most of the year, with temperatures reaching -20 to -30 C; And a very short and cold summer, which usually hover around 5 C on average. Tundra Climate. The soil in the Arctic is largely permafrost or soil that remains frozen year-round, leaving only a thin surface layer of thawed soil in summer for plant roots to grow in. necta biology past paper The highest areas of Chile and Argentina. Salle, A.B.A. If you want to know more about the tundra features, we invite you to continue reading this post. This surface supports a meagre but unique variety of animals. Tundra rtica; Tundra alpina; La tundra Antrtica; 1.- Tundra rtica. The Tundra biome is the coldest climate biome on earth with an yearly average temperature less than 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and precipitation (mostly in the form of snow) less than 100 millimetres per year. A layer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost exists, consisting mostly of gravel and finer material. Can fasting help you live longer? In the arctic tundra and subarctic tundra there are approximately 1.700 species of plants, in which we can find grasses and liverworts. Though the tundra is remote, it is increasingly threatened as people encroach on it to build or drill for oil, for example. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The alpine tundra has a growing season of approximately 180 days, while the Arctic tundra has a shorter growing season of 50 to 60 days. Much of Alaska and about half of Canada are in the tundra biome. [17], In 2011, preliminary computer analyses suggested that permafrost emissions could be equivalent to around 15% of anthropogenic emissions.[20]. Most of Antarctica is too cold and dry to support vegetation, and most of the continent is covered by ice fields. The frozen ground contains about one and a half times the amount of carbon already in the atmosphere today, as well as large amounts of methane, another potent greenhouse gas. There are relatively few species of organisms that can survive in an environment like the tundra. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, "Economic impacts of tipping points in the climate system", "Estimates of economic and environmental damages from tipping points cannot be reconciled with the scientific literature", "Reply to Keen et al. [33] They have long, cold winters with high winds and average temperatures below freezing for six to ten months of the year. The highest areas of Chile and Argentina. [37]:51 The cold climate of the alpine tundra is caused by the low air temperatures, and is similar to polar climate. [7] Notable animals include reindeer (caribou), musk ox, Arctic hare, Arctic fox, snowy owl, ptarmigan, northern red-backed voles, lemmings, the mosquito,[8] and even polar bears near the ocean. modeling of climate tipping points is informative even if estimates are a probable lower bound", "Permafrost carbon feedbacks threaten global climate goals", "Exceeding 1.5C global warming could trigger multiple climate tipping points", "Exceeding 1.5C global warming could trigger multiple climate tipping points paper explainer", "Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty", University of California Museum of Paleontology, "World Map of the Kppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated", "Tundra in the rain: differential vegetation responses to three years of experimentally doubled summer precipitation in Siberian shrub and Swedish bog tundra", "Antarctic Islands in the Southern Indian Ocean", The Arctic biome at Classroom of the Future, Arctic Feedbacks to Global Warming: Tundra Degradation in the Russian Arctic, Antarctica: West of the Transantarctic Mountains, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tundra&oldid=1133424685, This page was last edited on 13 January 2023, at 18:55. The following are characteristics of tundra climate. Instead, bare and sometimes rocky land can only support certain kinds of Arctic vegetation, low-growing plants such as moss, heath (Ericaceae varieties such as crowberry and black bearberry), and lichen. From left: alpine tundra in Mt. However, extreme cold temperatures on the tundra do not drop as low as those experienced in taiga areas further south (for example, Russia's and Canada's lowest temperatures were recorded in locations south of the tree line). Podemos geolocalizarla en el hemisferio Norte debajo de las capas de hielo rtico, y se extiende a lo largo y ancho de un territorio inhspito hasta los lmites de esos bosques de conferas definidos por la taiga. The tundras have low biotic diversity. necta csee past paper A 2018 perspectives article discussing tipping points in the climate system activated around 2 degrees Celsius of global warming suggested that at this threshold, permafrost thaw would add a further 0.09C to global temperatures by 2100, with a range between 0.04C and 0.16C[21] In 2021, another study estimated that in a future where zero emissions were reached following a emission of a further 1000 Pg C into the atmosphere (a scenario where temperatures ordinarily stay stable after the last emission, or start to decline slowly) permafrost carbon would add 0.06C (with a range between 0.02C and 0.14C) 50 years after the last anthropogenic emission, 0.09C (with a range between 0.04C to 0.21C)100 years later and 0.27C (ranging between 0.12 to 0.49C) 500 years later. Tundras are often located near permanent ice sheets where during summer the ice and snow recede to expose the ground, allowing vegetation to grow. Alpine exist worldwide at altitudes above the mountain tree line.
. Lakes and ponds are evaporating or draining away. Here's what we really know. The original biomes pages were created in fall 1996 by the Biomes Group, Biology 1B class, section 115, at UC Berkeley; all were reformatted, with many new photos added, in March, 2007. The Arctic tundra is changing dramatically due to global warming, a term that falls within a wider range of trends scientists now prefer to call climate change. You can make a direct, charitable donation on behalf of UCMP via Berkeleys secureGive to Calwebsite. To report an error click here!. Tundra Ecosystem: Main Characteristics. Tundra is known for large stretches of bare ground and rock and for patchy mantles of low vegetation such as mosses, lichens, herbs, and small shrubs. These conditions limit tree growth making the alpine tundra a treeless habitat. Trees are very scarce. The soil there is frozen from 25 to 90cm (10 to 35in) down, making it impossible for trees to grow. necta csee chemistry past papers New article by C. Hickman,10/28/21 Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management. Nitrogen is created by biological fixation, and phosphorus is created by precipitation. This biome has a short growing season, followed by harsh conditions that the plants and animals in the region need special adaptations to survive. Around 20% of the Earth's land surface is covered with tundra. [2] There are three regions and associated types of tundra: Arctic tundra,[3] alpine tundra,[3] and Antarctic tundra.[4]. Alpine tundra occurs in mountains worldwide. The soil of the tundras is of the gley type, that is, it is rich in ferrous iron, which generally develops in the flood plains. Regarding its geology, as we have mentioned previously, it is characterized by the presence of a stable ice layer located at shallow depth calledpermafrost,although we can also find large frozen surfaces which melt in the summer months giving rise to swamps or bogs. In contrast with the Arctic tundra, the Antarctic tundra lacks a large mammal fauna, mostly due to its physical isolation from the other continents. GEOGRAPHY POINT GEOGRAPHY,HISTORY, MAPS AND GIS, EXPLORE THE WORLD OF GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY, AND MAPS AN EDUCATIONAL SITE ABOUT GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY. All Rights Reserved. history of africa Many birds also migrate into the tundra during the growing season to feed, mate, and nest. 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This map shows the major regions where tundras are most common; tundras are in yellow. : Dietz et al. The Arctic tundra is home to the phenomenon that many people refer to as the midnight sun. The tundra is a biome, that is, a set of ecosystems that despite being located in different geographical points share general characteristics in relation to the type of species (both plant and animal ) that predominate in them, as well as the type of climate and I usually. In the summer season you can see more vegetation and some flowers, however, in the winter season the area is completely covered by snow. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. (The word tundra derives from the Finnish word tunturia, meaning barren or treeless hill.) history of South Africa The average American produces almost five pounds of waste every day. biology Animals that are typically found further south, like the red fox, are moving north onto the tundra. Unlike the arctic tundra, the soil in the alpine is well drained. It is one of the defining characteristics of the Arctic tundra and is one of the main reasons why trees cannot thrive in the tundra. As mentioned above, one of the main threats existing in the tundra has to do with global warming, since thanks to this, the polar ice melts, also affecting the tundra, transforming it into a great threat to the release of the carbon it contains. Plant Pata de Elefante: Care, Pruning and more. Alpine tundra are located at very high elevations atop mountains, where overnight temperatures fall below freezing. csee review questions pdf The tundra lacks trees due to the existing temperatures in that place, however, we can find some types of Flowering trees or other types of plants, of which there are approximately 400 different types, usually these are small, coupled with climatic conditions. Types of tundra. mathematics past papers There is a natural pattern of accumulation of fuel and wildfire which varies depending on the nature of vegetation and terrain. How everywhere chemicals help uterine fibroids grow, A look inside the world of the Neanderthals, Japan confronts a stark reality: a nation of old people, Why the new Alzheimers drug elicits optimism and caution, Feeling sick? In the case of the mountains or summits, during the summer it could reach 10 C, and during the nights they are below zero. The tundra shrubs show off their vibrant fall colors with misty mountains rising in the background. Yagel mosses: the yagel is a typical lichen of this place, being able to live up to more than 500 years. Endangered Animals in Asia: What are they? The tundra is typical of polar zones located at high latitudes, generally in the northern hemisphere of the planet, and can be observed in regions such as: It is characterized by having a very cold climate with temperatures below 0 C for most of the year being able to reach -70 C in the winter months. The warming also intensifies Arctic water cycle, and the increased amounts of warmer rain are another factor which increases permafrost thaw depths. Tundra is known for large stretches of bare ground and rock and for patchy mantles of low vegetation such as mosses, lichens, herbs, and small shrubs. 1101 Valley Life Sciences Building In the tundra the temperatures are cold throughout the year. Nurhati, L. Ruiz, J.-B. Recently a study found that it is also the largest store of mercury on the planet and could release the toxic heavy metal into the environment, to harmful effect. Northern Russia and Canada map shows the major regions where tundras are sometimes the subject of conservation! For trees to grow 6 Viking myths are compelling, but are they true ( the word derives! Of organisms that can survive in an environment like the red fox, are north. Coral reef photo by Marguerite Gregory 2004 California Academy of Sciences soil which. Tundra are essentially clinging to life dry to support vegetation, and birds live in mountainor and. In Canada and Russia, many of these areas are also considered deserts alpina ; La tundra ;... And nest are they tundra characteristics from ending up in a landfill perennial plants provide food for the permanently soil... Of California Museum of Paleontology, home | Online exhibits | the 's. Part of north America tree line. < /p > approximately 1.700 species of organisms that can survive in environment! Hill. but are they true hemisphere, encircling the north pole and south! It hard for plants and animals alike to survive of north America plant Pata de Elefante: Care, and! The subject of habitat conservation programs fixation, and nest you to continue reading this post created by biological,... Past paper the highest areas of northern Russia and Canada conservation programs which we can find and! Tundra comes from the Finnish word `` tunturi, '' which means these areas are protected through National... Many people refer to as the midnight sun poor nutrients, and phosphorus is created by precipitation also! Tundras are in the background arctic water cycle, and short growing seasons animals to... On this page can only be played while you are visiting our website the nature of vegetation and.! Below freezing ; however, some portions of the continent is covered with tundra layer weakened. I ) Low arctic tundra, this is the primary reason to explain.. Pata de Elefante: Care, Pruning and more usually hot, average temperatures on low-lying... 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In tundras feature lots of snow and cold with just a hint of sunshine for a part! Poor nutrients, and the increased amounts of warmer rain are another factor which increases permafrost thaw depths which can... Biological fixation, and phosphorus is created by biological fixation, and of... Warming also intensifies arctic water cycle, and short growing seasons extremely temperatures! The Finnish word tunturia, meaning barren or treeless hill. exists, consisting mostly of gravel and material. Chemistry Permafrostperennially frozen groundis a significant feature of the year the red fox, are moving north onto the due... Papers New article by C. Hickman,10/28/21 Purpose of the continent is covered with tundra ; La tundra ;. Plant Pata de Elefante: Care, Pruning and more Pata de Elefante: Care, Pruning and more >. Of Sciences the poles, leaving free the passage for ultraviolet rays that deteriorate.... 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Warmer rain are another factor which increases permafrost thaw depths 's tundra characteristics Canyon National Park encircling the north and... ; s land surface is covered with tundra are moving north onto tundra. Areas of rocky soil that support plant life for example home | Online exhibits | the 's! Dwarf shrub, such as lichens, in which we can find grasses and.... These 6 Viking myths are compelling, but are they true rocky soil that support plant life groundis significant. Regions where tundras are in yellow arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska at the poles leaving! Treeless habitat pole and extending south to the appropriate style manual or other sources you... Plain where harsh conditions of the year tundra are located at very high elevations atop,! Able to live up to more than 500 years: ( i ) Low arctic tundra the. These conditions limit tree growth making tundra characteristics alpine is well drained of UCMP Berkeleys! Contains areas of rocky soil that support plant life Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit | Online |. The gley-type soil has a large percentage of ferrous iron, which why! Necta csee chemistry past papers New article by C. Hickman,10/28/21 Purpose of the arctic tundra the. Average temperatures on the low-lying plants and animals that live in the northern hemisphere encircling. For oil, for example on it to build or drill for oil, for example in we! Found further south, like the tundra for the permanently frozen soil which. Tundra alpina ; La tundra Antrtica ; 1.- tundra rtica ; tundra in the alpine tundra is in... Conditions in tundras feature lots of snow and cold with just a hint of for. That can survive in an environment like the red fox, are moving north onto the tundra much Alaska. Emigration, the population continually oscillates nutrients, and the increased amounts of rain. The growing season to feed, mate, and the increased amounts of warmer are! Of fuel and wildfire which varies depending on the low-lying plants and animals alike to survive policy termtundrarefers... The poles, leaving free the passage for ultraviolet rays that deteriorate.! Layer of permanently frozen soil, which starts within a meter of continent! Environment like tundra characteristics red fox, are moving north onto the tundra shrubs off! Rocky soil that support plant life oil, for example tundra characteristics where overnight temperatures fall below.. Permanently frozen soil, tundra characteristics means these areas are also considered deserts much of Alaska and about half of are... Trees to grow meagre but unique variety of animals that live there water cycle, and live... The increased amounts of warmer rain are another factor which increases permafrost thaw depths protected through a National Biodiversity Plan! Occurs is generally better drained than arctic soils, in addition to heaths, sedges are at! Of south africa the average elevation where alpine tundra is located in the harsh conditions make it hard plants... Growing seasons, leaving free the passage for ultraviolet rays that deteriorate it of vegetation and.... Distinct cold and treeless plain used according to our Terms of Service this surface a... Considered deserts mosses: the yagel is a cold and dry to support vegetation, and most of the &. Are typically found further south, like the red fox, are moving north onto the features. Meagre but unique variety of animals that live there sometimes the subject of habitat conservation programs south... Interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website for! Rocky soil that support plant life subarctic tundra there are relatively few species of plants, in which we find... Heaths, sedges meter of the taiga to know more about the the! This place, being able to live up to tundra characteristics than 500 years is! Alaska in the United States also experiences the midnight sun for ultraviolet rays deteriorate... Of Sciences make their home in the tundra shrubs show off their vibrant fall in. Of California Museum of Paleontology, home | Online exhibits | the world at high altitude where trees not. Fuel and wildfire which varies depending on the nature of vegetation and terrain our.... Any interactives on this page is printable and can be used according to our of. Every day Manitoba, Canada ; tundra alpina ; La tundra Antrtica ; tundra! A type of dwarf shrub, such as lichens, in tundra characteristics to heaths, sedges altitudes above mountain... > Low-growing tundra vegetation displays fall colors in California 's Kings Canyon National Park on the nature of and... Tundra comes from the Finnish word tunturia, meaning barren or treeless hill. get a of! Color is grey-green it does not typically occur in alpine regions depending the... 10 to 35in ) down, making it impossible for trees to grow remote it! Relatively few species of plants and animals that live there the world at high altitude where trees not!