Cold Environments

Open Ended

What 3 things can you remember about the desert biome?

​Lesson Objectives

​To describe the conditions in cold environments
To explain why it is so cold at the poles

Open Ended

Describe the location of the polar r

The Polar Biome

Multiple Choice

How cold does it get in Antarctica?

• -54°C

• -106°C

• 0°C
• -89°C

Polar Regions

​Did you know that the Arctic and Antarctic are the coldest places on Earth? The lowest recorded temperature in Antarctica is a bone-chilling -89.2°C! Today, we'll delve into these frozen wonders, exploring their unique features, understanding their significance in the field of geography, and uncovering the mysteries of their changing seasons.

​The Polar Biome

Open Ended

What differences are the there between the North Pole and the South Pole?

​The Arctic

​The Arctic, located around the North Pole, is characterised by its icy landscapes. It experiences extreme cold temperatures, with vast ice cover.
The Arctic's climate is defined by freezing temperatures and distinctive seasonal changes, impacting both the environment and its inhabitants.

​The Arctic

The Arctic, known for its extreme cold, experiences unique seasonal variations. While winters are long and dark, lasting for several months, summers bring the phenomenon of the midnight sun. During this time, the sun doesn't set for an extended period, providing continuous daylight

​The Antarctic, surrounding the South Pole, is a land of ice and extremes. Its vast ice shelves and unique ecosystems make it a region of great scientific interest. The Antarctic climate, with frigid temperatures and massive ice formations, presents challenges and opportunities for exploration.

​The Antarctic

Categorize

Options (11)

Penguins, Whales, seals

Mostly ocean

Polar bears, seals, foxes, hares, reindeer

Flowering plants

Almost no vegetation

Indigenous populations – Inuit, Indians, Siberians

Settlements for scientists only

A continent

Research stations

Antarctica or The Arctic

Antarctica

The Arctic

​Antarctica or The Arctic

​Why is it so cold at the poles?

Multiple Choice

It is hottest at the equator because...

• less direct sunlight
• more direct sunlight
• more shade from trees
• colder temperatures

Multiple Choice

The further away you get from the equator ( the higher the latitude) the colder it gets because……….

• the earth's rotation slows down
• the angle of sunlight increases
• the angle of sunlight decreases
• the atmosphere becomes thinner

Plant adaptations

Open Ended

How can plants survive in polar regions?

​Polar plant adaptations

​

In order for plants to survive in cold environments they have had to adapt to the extreme conditions found there. These unique adaptations include:

• Cushion plants - these are compact, low growing plants. These characteristics help them to survive in cold and windy conditions. They trap airborne dust and use it as a source of nutrients.

• Arctic poppy - this has a hairy stem to retain heat. The flower can track the sun in the sky to maximise the amount of sunlight it receives so that it can increase photosynthesis.

​

• Cotton grass - this grass has small seeds that can easily be dispersed by the wind to ensure its survival. It is low lying to protect it from cold winds and has thin leaves to reduce water loss by transpiration. Cotton grass grows and produces seeds quickly as soon as the temperature increases.

• Lichen - this organism does not need soil to grow. It grows very slowly, can withstand very cold temperatures and survives beneath snow.

Match

How do these adaptations benefit cold plants

• compact, low growing plants

• Trap airborne dust

• Hairy stems

• Thin leaves

• Flowers can track the sun

Helps them shelter from the cold wind

To use as a source of nutrients

To retain heat

To reduce water loss

To make the most of daylight hours

• Helps them shelter from the cold wind

• To use as a source of nutrients

• To retain heat

• To reduce water loss

• To make the most of daylight hours

​Animal Adaptations

Open Ended

What's wrong with this picture?

​Animals in the Arctic

​The Arctic, with its icy landscapes and extreme temperatures, is home to a variety of animals that have evolved unique adaptations to survive. One remarkable example is the polar bear. These massive predators have specialised fur and a layer of blubber that insulates them from the cold. Their large paws and sharp claws are adapted for efficient movement across ice, and their keen sense of smell helps them locate prey even from a distance.

​Animals in the Arctic

​Other Arctic inhabitants, like the Arctic fox, change their fur colour with the seasons. In winter, their fur turns white to blend in with the snow, providing camouflage during hunts. During the warmer months, their fur shifts to a brown or gray color, adapting to the changing landscape.

​Antarctic Animals

​In the harsh conditions of Antarctica, animals have evolved unique strategies to cope with the extreme cold. The emperor penguin, for instance, has a thick layer of blubber and densely packed feathers that provide insulation against the frigid temperatures. These flightless birds are exceptional divers, reaching depths of over 500 meters in search of food

​Antarctic Animals

​The Weddell seal is another Antarctic species that exhibits impressive adaptations. Their streamlined bodies and large eyes facilitate efficient swimming and hunting under the ice. To conserve energy, Weddell seals create breathing holes in the ice, allowing them to surface for air without using too much energy

Draw

Draw an animal that would survive in the polar biome

Open Ended

You have been offered a once in a life time trip, would you like to visit the Arctic or Antarctic regions?

Explain your answer

​Lesson Objectives

​To describe the conditions in cold environments
To explain why it is so cold at the poles

​Homework

​Some polar animals are in danger of becoming extinct. Choose one animal and make a poster to encourage people to protect them
You must include information about your animal. Including a picture.
Threats to your animal.
How people can help.