Knowra Arctic biodiversity Arctic biodiversity Arctic biodiversity is the variety of life across the Arctic’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including species, genetic variation, and ecological communities.
Arctic tundra : A treeless Arctic biome with permafrost, low-growing vegetation, and a short growing season. Its soils and vegetation support much of the Arctic’s land-based life.
Polar bear : A large Arctic bear adapted to life on sea ice and hunting seals. Its dependence on sea ice links a land mammal to marine habitat change.
Arctic amplification : The tendency for the Arctic to warm faster than the global average. Rapid warming alters habitats and seasonal timing across Arctic communities.
Climate change in the Arctic : The long-term warming and environmental transformation occurring across the Arctic. It affects sea ice, permafrost, seasonal cycles, and the organisms that depend on them.
Arctic biodiversity monitoring : The systematic observation of Arctic species, habitats, and ecological change. Sparse, uneven observations make it difficult to distinguish trends from natural variability.
Arctic marine ecosystem : The interacting organisms and physical conditions of Arctic seas and coastal waters. Sea ice, plankton, and marine food webs anchor biodiversity across the ocean.
Arctic fox : A small fox distributed across Arctic tundra, with seasonal coat changes and a varied diet. Its prey and habitat range show how tundra species respond to shifting conditions.
Phenology : The study of recurring biological events and their timing in relation to environmental conditions. Changes in flowering, migration, and breeding can disrupt seasonal ecological matches.
Ocean acidification : The decline in ocean pH caused mainly by seawater absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It can challenge organisms that build shells or skeletons in Arctic waters.
Arctic biodiversity assessment : A synthesis of evidence about the status and trends of Arctic species and ecosystems. Assessments identify where evidence is strong and where remote regions remain poorly known.
Show all 29