Tundra Animals: Guided Reading Level Biome Beasts

The tundra is a vast, cold, and treeless region that stretches across the northernmost parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a harsh and unforgiving environment, but it is also home to a wide variety of animals that have adapted to survive in this extreme climate.

What is the Tundra?

The tundra is a treeless region that is characterized by its cold climate, low precipitation, and permafrost. Permafrost is a layer of soil that remains frozen all year round. The tundra is divided into two main types: the Arctic tundra and the Antarctic tundra.

Tundra Animals, Guided Reading Level O (Biome Beasts)

by Lisa Colozza Cocca

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5167 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

The Arctic tundra is located in the northernmost parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is characterized by its cold climate, with average temperatures below freezing for most of the year. The Arctic tundra is also very dry, with annual precipitation of less than 10 inches.

The Antarctic tundra is located on the continent of Antarctica. It is characterized by its even colder climate, with average temperatures below freezing all year round. The Antarctic tundra is also very dry, with annual precipitation of less than 2 inches.

Animals of the Tundra

The tundra is home to a wide variety of animals that have adapted to survive in this extreme climate. These animals include:

• Caribou
• Musk oxen
• Polar bears
• Arctic foxes

li>Snowshoe hares

• Lemmings
• Ptarmigans
• Snowy owls

Caribou

Caribou are large, hoofed mammals that are found in the tundra regions of North America and Europe. They are well-adapted to the cold climate, with thick fur and large hooves that help them to distribute their weight on the snow.

Caribou are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, sedges, and lichens. They migrate long distances in search of food, and they are often seen in large herds.

Musk Oxen

Musk oxen are large, shaggy mammals that are found in the tundra regions of North America and Greenland. They are well-adapted to the cold climate, with thick fur and a large hump on their back that stores fat.

Musk oxen are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, sedges, and lichens. They live in herds of up to 100 individuals, and they are often seen grazing on the tundra.

Polar Bears

Polar bears are large, white bears that are found in the Arctic tundra regions of the world. They are well-adapted to the cold climate, with thick fur and a layer of blubber that insulates them from the cold.

Polar bears are carnivores that feed on seals, walruses, and other marine mammals. They are excellent swimmers and divers, and they are often seen hunting on the sea ice.

Arctic Foxes

Arctic foxes are small, white foxes that are found in the tundra regions of the world. They are well-adapted to the cold climate, with thick fur and a short, bushy tail that helps to keep them warm.

Arctic foxes are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of small animals, including rodents, birds, and eggs. They are also known to scavenge on the remains of other animals.

Snowshoe Hares

Snowshoe hares are large, white hares that are found in the tundra regions of North America. They are well-adapted to the cold climate, with thick fur and large feet that help them to distribute their weight on the snow.

Snowshoe hares are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, including twigs, buds, and leaves. They are often seen in large groups, and they are known for their distinctive hopping gait.

Lemmings

Lemmings are small, brown rodents that are found in the tundra regions of North America and Europe. They are well-adapted to the cold climate, with thick fur and a short, stocky body that helps them to retain heat.

Lemmings are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, sedges, and mosses. They are often seen in large groups, and they are known for their tendency to migrate in large numbers.

Ptarmigans

Ptarmigans are small, white birds that are found in the tundra regions of the world. They are well-adapted to the cold climate, with thick fur and a layer of feathers that insulates them from the cold.

Ptarmigans are omnivores that feed on a variety of plants and animals, including seeds, berries, insects, and small rodents. They are often seen in large flocks, and they are known for their distinctive cackling call.

Snowy Owls

Snowy owls are large, white owls that are found in the tundra regions of the world. They are well-adapted to the cold climate, with thick fur and a layer of feathers that insulates them from the cold.

Snowy owls are carnivores that feed on a variety of small animals, including rodents, birds, and fish. They are often seen perched on rocks or trees, and they are known for their distinctive hooting call.

The tundra is a harsh and unforgiving environment, but it is also home to a wide variety of animals that have adapted to survive in this extreme climate. These animals are a testament to the power of evolution, and they play an important role in the ecosystem of the tundra.

Tundra Animals, Guided Reading Level O (Biome Beasts)

by Lisa Colozza Cocca

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5167 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE