Flora:
Arctic moss
grows in the arctic tundra which is a harsh cold environment in the Northern Hemisphere.The arctic is an aquatic plant that may be found growing on the bottom of tundra lake beds. They have small rootlets instead of roots and never have wood stems. The arctic moss has lots of tiny leaves on the stem. These mosses cover and warm the ground allowing other plants to grow.
Arctic willow
likes cold temeratures, making the tundra the idea place to grow do to its average cold temeratures. It has adapted to permafrost by growing shallow roots. The leaves also adapted by growing long fuzzy hairs. The arctic willow is adapted to the non- fertile conditions of the tundra.
Bearberry
is a low growing evergreen. The bearberry has a stem that rises 28 inches off the ground. It is covered by thick bark and fine silky hairs. It is found in dry non nutrient soil such as sand, outcrops, and shallow soils. It has leathery leaves that is an adaption of the cold temperatures of the tundra. The leaves of this plant can be used in tobacco and tea that can be drunk to treat kidney and bladder problems.
Caribou moss
grows on the ground and rocks. It looks like a foamy, grey green spongy mass. Caribou moss are two seperate organism. They are both fungi algae which live together. These plants can live a long time without water. Moisture and nutrients are absorb through their surface cells. this also allows pollutants and deadly radiation to enter its cell.
diamond leaf-willow
twigs are soft, slender, and bend easily. They can grow up to 30 feet in height. They look like white, fuzzy caterpillars and are about an inch in length. They are usually grow in clusters and looks like a bumpy carpet on the tundra floor.
labrador tea
grows to be about 4 to 5 feet. this palnt is used for several things such as tea, skin problems, and a syrup for coughs. The labrador tea plant grows in the lower latitudes of the tundra. It is also slightly poisonous, so animals do not eat this plant. Though slightly poisonous, bees are attracted to its flowers.
pasque flower
has stems that grow 6 to 8 inches off the ground. The color of its petals are between dark lavender to almost white. It only grows on soutward facing slopes. The pasque flower is also the state flower of South Dakota. This flower is used to treat eye diseases such as cataracts and blindness.
tufted saxifrage
has several flower stems that can grow 3 to 15 cm high. Two to ten flowers bloom from every stem. Every flower has 5 white petals that look like a star. The flower produces a fruit that contains several seeds. The tufted saxifrage grows on crevices of the tundra. Its name comes from the latin word rock breaker.
caribou
lives in the artic tundra and the moutain tundra. The caribou is also referred to as the reindeer. They ued to be used to pull sleds and provide milk, meat and skin for tents. The caribou has short sturdy legs, a dark brown coat that turns a lighter brown in the
ermine
lives in both the taiga and the tundra. This animal perfers to live in marshes, open spaces, and rocky areas next to woodlands. They make their dens in the old roots of a tree or the crevices of a rock.
grizzly bear
has incredible pysical strength and is surprisingly fast over short distances. They are extremly agressive and have a great sense of smell. The grizzly bear can be up to 704 pounds and 8 feet in length. The diet of most grizzly bears is mostly plants.
harlequin duck
has a compacted body with strong webbed feet. Their wings beat rapidly when they fly and they are expert swimmers. They can weigh up to 1 to 1.5 pounds and be 1 to 1.5 feet in length.
musk ox
can survive in the harsh conditions of the tundra because of its long woolly coat. It has a sturdy build and looks like a dust mop because of its long hair. The male musk ox has thick horns, while the female hs smaller horns.
polar bear
are the largest carnivores on land. They have two layers of fur causeing adult polar bears to overheat when they run. Many think the polar bear's fur is white; however it is actually clear.
snowy owl
is considered to be one of the largest and most attractive of owls. The males are mostly white with small spots. the females have gray-brown lines across their body and wings. They both have yellow eyes that sit in the front of their faces. They can weigh up to 4 to 6 pounds and can be 21 to 26 inches long.