Tundra explained to kids

Tundra is a type of biome where the climate is very cold and dry, and the vegetation is limited to low-growing plants like mosses and lichens. Tundra is found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as on high mountain tops. The word "tundra" comes from the Finnish word tunturia, which means "treeless plain". Tundra is sometimes called the "polar desert" because it is so dry. However, it is not really a desert because it does get some precipitation (rain, snow, sleet) each year. The tundra is a very fragile environment. Because the ground is so cold, it takes a long time for anything to decompose. This means that tundra ecosystems are very sensitive to human activity and pollution. There are two types of tundra: arctic tundra and alpine tundra. Arctic tundra is found in the northern hemisphere near the North Pole. Alpine tundra is found on high mountains around the world. Arctic tundra is home to many different animals, including caribou, musk oxen, arctic hares, lemmings, and polar bears. Some of these animals have special adaptations that help them survive in the cold, like thick fur and extra layers of fat. Alpine tundra is found in mountain regions like the Rocky Mountains, the Alps, and the Andes. These areas are too cold and dry for trees to grow, but they are home to many different types of animals, including pikas, mountain goats, and marmots.