Expert: Walter Hintz - 10/7/2010

Question
Hello,

I am a 6th grade teacher in WI. My students are doing a project on various Biomes, and part of their requirements are to contact a primary source/expert in their Biome field. Would you please answer the following questions for them? Thanks.
1. How do animals in a Tundra interact and depend on each other to survive?
2. What are some invasive species troubling the Tundra?
3. How have animals adapted to the harsh environment of the Tundra?
4. What are something we can do to help protect the animals of the Tundra?
5. What are the common uses of the plants in the Tundra?
6. What is permafrost?
7. How does pollution affect the Tundra?
Thank you for your help.  

Answer
Hi Chris
1. Animals in all biomes are all connected in their quest for energy.They depend on each other for energy at trophic levels.  The plant eating animals are in turn eaten by predatory animals.
2. The arctic fox is one. There are not many but there are some plants that are invading due to global warming
3.Most by their response to cold temperatures like bulky bodies and heavier fur. (examples: Polar bear and musk ox)
4.Basically prohibit hunting of the animals.
5.Animals use tundra plants for food but there is no commercial use of them.
6.Underground soil in the tundra stays frozen at difference depths. It can be frozen at a depth from several inches to hundreds of feet.
7. Air pollution effects the air quality can cause respiratory problems for large animals and plant growth. Noise pollution from mining and oil drilling effects animal behavior