Question

What is the difference between arctic tundra and alpine tundra?

Answer 1

The Arctic tundra and alpine tundra are two distinct types of tundra ecosystems that have differences in temperature, elevation, and vegetation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Arctic tundra and alpine tundra are two distinct types of tundra ecosystems that have some similarities but also notable differences.
The Arctic tundra is located in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and experiences extremely cold temperatures throughout the year. The average winter temperature is -34°C (-29.2°F) and the average summer temperature ranges from 3°C to 12°C (37°F - 52°F).

On the other hand, alpine tundra exists at high elevations above the tree line on mountains. While it can still be cold, the temperature range is generally higher than that of the Arctic tundra. The climate in alpine tundra varies depending on the location, but it generally tends to be milder compared to the Arctic tundra.

Another important difference is the vegetation. The Arctic tundra consists of low shrubs, grasses, lichens, and small flowering plants, while alpine tundra is characterized by low-growing plants such as mosses, grasses, and dwarf shrubs that are adapted to the harsh mountain conditions.

Answer 2

Arctic tundra are found on high-latitude landmasses, above the Arctic Circle; in Alaska, Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia, for example; or on far southern regions, like Antarctica. Alpine tundra are located at very high elevations atop mountains, where overnight temperatures fall below freezing.