Ice Cap Biome - Demo

Ice Cap Biome

Map of Biome

Where Biome is Found Found near the

poles Latitude: 65° N&S

Basic Characteristics Covered by snow and ice year round Cold Icebergs No trees or shade

Temperature Coldest place on earth Average Temp -17ºC (1.4ºF)

Climate diagram

Precipitation Polar desert 19.8 cm per year

Common Weather Dry Windy Cold Bright Sunlight

Soil Permafrost: frozen year round Very barren and dry Soil Moisture: dry Inorganic soil

PlantsGrasses

Plants Lichen

Plants Moss

Plant adaptations Grow deep and wide Low to the ground Little competition Very few species and exist only down

to 60º Latitude

Animals KrillKiller Whales

Animals Polar Bears

Animals Albatross

19/21 species are threatened or endangered

Animals Penguins

Animals Seals

Animals Adaptations Land and Water animals Thick skin with layers of blubber Warm- blooded Migration Flight Camouflage

Human Adaptations No humans live in Ice Cap biomes Only research crew or expeditions

Biodiversity Ice caps have the least biodiversity

in the world It is too cold for many species 0 on the biodiversity scale

Other Interesting Facts Ozone layer hole in Antarctica Ice grows and shrinks every year During the summer months: 22 hrs

daylight During the winter months: 22 hrs of night

Other Facts Ice Caps are found on other planets

Fossils of various rainforest plants and animals have been found there

Other Facts $10,000 will get you a cruise to

Antarctica

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/mpg/143496main_OceanCirculationConveyorBelt.mpg