Exploring Cold Deserts

The video explores the Arctic tundra biome, highlighting its similarities to deserts due to low precipitation. It describes the tundra's cold, dry climate and the presence of permafrost, where only the upper soil layer thaws in summer. Seasonal sunlight variations are significant, with long summer days and short winter days. The Alpine tundra, found on high mountains, shares many characteristics with the Arctic tundra, including similar plant and animal life.

What is a common feature of both the desert and Arctic tundra biomes?

• Low precipitation

• Frequent rainfall

• Abundant vegetation

• High temperatures

Why is the Arctic tundra often referred to as a 'cold desert'?

• It has a lot of sand dunes.

• It has high temperatures like a desert.

• It receives less than 25 centimeters of precipitation annually.

• It is located near the equator.

What is permafrost?

• A type of plant found in the tundra

• A type of precipitation

• A seasonal animal migration

• A layer of soil that remains frozen year-round

How does the sunlight vary in the Arctic tundra?

• Days are long in winter and short in summer.

• There is no variation in sunlight.

• It is always dark.

• Days are short in winter and long in summer.

Where is the Alpine tundra located?

• In the ocean

• On mountaintops above the treeline

• In the desert regions

• In the tropical rainforest