Hobbies And Interests
Willows
The Arctic willow has developed a shallow root system and hardy outer skin to cope with its harsh environment. It stays as close to the ground as possible, growing horizontally more so than vertically. The soil of the tundra is generally poor in nutrients, so willow trees have to make the most of what's available. Even slight disturbances in the soil or climate are bad news for willows, as they are finely attuned to their local conditions.
Sedges
Sedge is a broad term for the moist, green and flowery meadows common to many regions of the tundra. They are most common just north of the tree line of the taiga. Tussock is another kind of sedge meadow. The cotton grass of a tussock meadow can live over 150 years. These kinds of meadows are important for Arctic wildlife like the hare, providing nests and hiding places. Like all other scrub vegetation, sedge and tussock exhibit shallow roots, low growth and sophisticated adaptations to the extreme climate.
Dwarf Birches
Birches are one of only a few species of tree capable of growing in the tundra's unforgiving environment. Alders and willows are two other examples. Naturally, surviving here means staying small and close to the ground. The tundra's low precipitation and abbreviated growing season don't provide enough nutrition for trees to grow very large. Trees this far north have adapted to a poorer soil, which is frozen solid for much of the year.
Shrubs and Grasses
Shrub is a general term for low, bushy vegetation with sturdy root systems. A wide variety of these plants live along the southern reaches of the tundra. Where shrubs can't take root, grasses dominate the land. Recently, scientists have noted that shrubs have been growing further north than ever before. Although more study is needed, this northward expansion may be a consequence of global climate change. At the same time, shrubs retain more warmth, possibly contributing to an overall warmer tundra biome.