The document discusses the importance of Arctic ecosystems. It notes that Arctic regions provide food, fuel, fodder and potential pharmaceuticals. They also contain unique genetic material and species, and support migratory animals. Arctic sea ice hosts ice-endemic species and is an important habitat. Tundra and boreal forests are also discussed, noting the challenges of the climate and importance of adaptations for plant and animal survival.

3. The Arctic sea ice and its related organisms are unique. Year-round ice has allowed the development of ice endemic species (meaning they are not found anywhere else) Arctic Ocean and ice sheet Sea ice is formed from ocean water that freezes. Because the oceans consist of saltwater, this occurs at about -1.8 °C. Sea ice contrasts with icebergs, which are chunks of ice made of fresh water. Sea ice expands and contracts with the seasons Land-fast ice is frozen along coasts ("fastened" to them) or to the sea floor. It extends out from land into sea and does not move with currents and wind. Drift ice floats on the surface of the water. When packed together in large masses drift ice is called pack ice. Phytoplankton Seal Arctic cod Inuit hunter

4. Tundra 1 Tundra temperatures only rise above freezing for a short period of time and only the top layer of soil thaws during the summer time, the active layer. Underneath the active layer is permanently frozen ground called ” permafrost ”. In the summer tundra changes, the sun shines almost 24 hours a day, so it warms up. Plant life grows Winter in the Arctic tundra is long, dark, and very cold with temperatures as low as -70°C The water forms ponds and marshes scattered across the barren landscape during the short summer During the summer caribou, insects and many birds migrate to spend the summer here. Resident creatures such as the Arctic hare, Musk ox and Ptarmigan are adapted to survive in the winter

5. Plant communites are adapted to strong winds and soil disturbance from frost heave (when the soil freezes and thaws. They photosynthesise at low temperatures, low light and long periods of daylight The landscape is dominated by grasses, flowers, mosses and lichen and a few trees Wolf Musk Ox Caribou Tundra 2 Permafrost

6. Boreal forest 1 (also known as Taiga) Boreal forest is important. The trees and peatlands are one of the world's largest "carbon sinks“. Boreal forest is mainly characterised by coniferous forests but also have small-leaved deciduous trees like birch, alder and aspen mostly in areas escaping the most extreme winter cold Harsh climate with a large temperature range, from −50 °C to 30 °C through the year. The summers, are short, warm and humid. Reptiles are rare because of cold temperatures For much of the year the sun does not rise far above the horizon. Winters lasts 6 months, with average temperatures below freezing.

7. Boreal forest supports a relatively low diversity of species. But the plants and animals that live here are adapted for the bitter cold, short summers, and frequent fires. Other creatures migrate to warmer areas during the winter. Moose Ptarmigan Grizzly bear Boreal Forest 2