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Arctic Ecosystems An ecosystem is defined as any community of living and non-living things that work together. Individual ecosystems can be difficult to define, as they do not have clear boundaries; it can be difficult to see where one ends and another begins. There are both abiotic and biotic factors within ecosystems. Biotic factors are all of the living organisms within an ecosystem, such as fungi, plants, animals. Abiotic factors are all of the non-living things within an ecosystem. There is a strong link between abiotic and biotic factors, and if one factor is changed or removed it can affect the entire ecosystem; its impact cascades through the ecosystem. The Arctic Ocean The Arctic Ocean is an incredibly unique and harsh ecosystem in which only a few animals can survive! Abiotic Factors The Tundra is one of the coldest of all of the Earth’s ecosystems! Abiotic Factors Biotic Factors There are many unique abiotic factors of the tundra including: The species that are able to survive due to the abiotic factors are the biotic factors of the Tundra: Low precipitation (less than most of the deserts on Earth!). Permafrost (a layer of soil beneath the surface that is continually frozen). The permafrost traps moisture on the soil resulting in bogs and ponds. Low temperatures. High winds. Poor soil, low in nutrients. Low rate of decomposition of organic matter which means soils are formed really slowly. Biotic Factors The Artic Ocean has some extreme abiotic factors including: The Tundra Due to these unique, harsh conditions the biotic factors of the Arctic Ocean are limited: Extremely low temperatures. Long winters. Short summers. Continual sunlight in the Summer and continual darkness in the Winter. Sea ice that covers much of the ocean for long periods of the year – giving animals a place to rest and live. Very little precipitation. Low salinity in the sea (low salt levels), which alters as the ice melts and freezes. Low evaporation of sea water. Heavy fresh water inflow from rivers and streams. 12 | IGNIS There are several land mammals which live on the ice such as polar bears. These are the primary predators. There are many blubbered marine animals such as walruses, seals and even whales. Plankton and fish support this complex food web. Supporting all of this life are phytoplankton and algae that produce organic material using energy from the sun. This food web shows how living things in the Tundra get their food, and how these nutrients and energy are passed from animal to animal. There are no trees due to the harsh conditions. Low shrubs, mosses, grasses and lichens have adapted to the Tundra. Few animal species can survive on the Tundra – primary consumers include caribou, arctic hare, musk oxen and lemmings, and primary predators include arctic wolves, arctic foxes, snowy owls and polar bears. Mosquitos and flies provide food for migratory birds during the summer when the Arctic Tundra is covered in wetlands. Polar bear Wolf Highest order Consumers Secondary Consumers Arctic Fox Arctic Hare Lemming Caribou/ Reindeer Primary Consumers Producers Berries Grass IGNIS | 13