Tundra plants have hairy stems and small leaves. By making leaves quickly, the plant can start turning the limited amount of summer sunshine it gets into food to survive the long winter. Adaptations can include such traits as narrow leaves, waxy surfaces, sharp spines and specialized root systems. Arctic plants have very short growing season. Bearberry is a low growing plant that uses that adaptation to stay out of the way of the ripping Tundra wind.It also favors places like behind rocks to again stay out of the wind.The leathery leaves keeps moisture and heat inside the plant. Vegetation Community of Tundra Biome: There is perfect relationship between vegeta­tion and the condition of moisture in the soils. Plants are dark in color—some are even red—this helps them absorb solar heat. Some tundra plants have lots of tiny leaves that develop quickly. Plant adaptations in the desert, rainforest and tundra allow plants and trees to sustain life. Plant Adaptations Only plants with shallow root systems can grow in the Arctic Tundra because of permafrost prevents plants from sending their roots down past the active layer of soil. The adaptations of plants in the tundra allow them to store nutrients for an extended period of time, keep warm during the winter season, retain even the smallest amount of moisture, and absorb the maximum amount of energy in a short period of time. Tundra plants don’t need soil to grow. Also, plants lose water through their leaves, so smaller leaves means less water loss. Examples of Physiological adaptations of plants in the Arctic Tundra include: Quick flower production - Because of the cold temperatures and the short growing seasons, flowering plants have adapted to utilise the 24 hour sun light in the summer in order to produce and bloom flowers quickly. The harsh, cold climate is the biggest deterrent for life to flourish in Arctic tundra region. Plants of the Arctic tundra region need to protect themselves from wind. Adaptations. An important adaptation observed to overcome cold weather is the growth that take place close to the ground surface. The Labrador tea plant is a shrub that grows to be approximately five feet tall. Tundra plants are small (usually less than 12 inches tall) and low-growing due to lack of nutrients, because being close to the ground helps keep the plants from freezing, and because the roots cannot penetrate the permafrost. Bearberry is a very useful plant. Examples of tundra adaptations plants are Arctic Moss, dwarf shrubs, herbs, grasses, and lichens. The characteristic lithosols of the tundra biome (a well-drained soil) support only lichens and mosses. All parts of it can be used in some way. It's fine silky hairs also help to keep it warm. Leathery leaves are also an adaptation to the cold of the tundra. Plant adaptations in the desert, rainforest and tundra allow plants and trees to sustain life. Arctic gray soils favour the growth of dwarf herbaceous plants and bog soils maintain sedges and mosses. Small leaves help the plants retain moisture. Tundra plants are small in size and are close together. The arctic fox, for instance, sports a thick coat which helps it battle the characteristic subzero temperature of this region. Because of the short growing season, most tundra plants are perennials. Moss can grow in wet places or on bare rock. Its leaves are used by human residents of the Arctic tundra to create both beverages and medicine. Other adaptations are found in tundra plants’ leaves. Perennials do not die in the winter. The active layer of soil is free from ice for only 50 to 90 days. Organisms that live in the tundra biomes have developed unique adaptations that aid in their survival. Since bearberry is a low growing plant it can stay out of the wind chill. Plant populations co-evolve characteristics that are uniquely tailored to their environment. 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