The interrelations between organisms and environment on the land constitute “Terrestrial Ecology”.
The most important limiting factors of the terrestrial ecosystems are moisture and temperature.
TUNDRA
The word tundra means a “barren land” since they are found where environmental conditions are very severe. There are two types of tundra- arctic and alpine.
Distribution:
Arctic tundra extends as a continuous belt below the polar ice cap and above the tree line in the northern hemisphere. It occupies the northern fringe of Canada, Alaska, European Russia, Siberia and island group of Arctic Ocean.
On the south pole, tundra is very small since most of it is covered by ocean .
Alpine tundra occurs at high mountains above the tree line. Since mountains are found at all latitudes therefore alpine tundra shows day and night temperature variations.
Flora and fauna:
Typical vegetation of arctic tundra is cotton grass, sedges, dwarf heath, willows, birches and lichens.
Animals of tundra are reindeer, musk ox, arctic hare, caribous, lemmings and squirrel.
They are protected from chillness by the presence of thick cuticle and epidermal hair.
Mammals of the tundra region have large body size and small tail and ear to avoid the loss of heat from the surface.
The body is covered with fur for insulation.
Final Destination for Haryana PSC Notes and Tests, Exclusive coverage of HPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus, Dedicated Staff and guidence for HPSC Exams HPSC Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for HPSC Prelims and HPSC Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by HPSC Notes are as follows:-- HPSC Mains Tests and Notes Program
- HPSC Prelims Exam 2024- Test Series and Notes Program
- HPSC Prelims and Mains Tests Series and Notes Program
- HPSC Detailed Complete Prelims Notes