PRESENTATION

POLAR ECOSYSTEM
POLAR ECOSYSTEM
Polar ecosystem means the relationship between the plants and all living or non-living organisms of the polar region.
 The polar ecosystem plays an important role in regulating the earth climate and maintaining the overall health of
the planet.
 The polar ecosystems, found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, are characterized by extreme cold, ice, and
unique adaptations of flora and fauna to survive in these harsh conditions.
 Polar regions are located in the Arctic on the north hemisphere and in the Antarctica in the south hemisphere of
the planet. Arctic is an ocean entirely surrounded by land .On the other hand Antarctica is located on the south is
a continent entirely surrounded by oceans.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POLAR REGION

 Climate: Polar ecosystems, found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, have distinct climates. They are
characterized by extremely cold temperatures, with the Arctic being milder than the Antarctic. Winters in both
areas are harsh, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Summers in the Arctic can see
temperatures rise above freezing, while in the Antarctic, they remain colder.
 Soil: These regions covered with ice throughout the year. These polar soils are often referred to as "permafrost"
soils due to their frozen state for most of the year.
 Temperature: The temperature in polar ecosystems is extremely cold, often well below freezing, with average
temperatures typically ranging from -20°C to -10°C (-4°F to 14°F) in the Arctic and even colder in Antarctica.
 Plants & Animals: In the Arctic, you'll find animals like polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer, while in the
Antarctic, penguins, seals, and krill dominate. Plant life is limited, with mosses, lichens, and some hardy
flowering plants surviving in these harsh environments.
 ZONATION
Zonation in polar ecosystems refers to the distinct patterns of plant and animal life that
are distributed in zones based on factors like temperature, light, and proximity to the
coastline. These zones typically include the littoral (coastal) zone, polar desert, tundra,
and ice-covered regions, each with unique adaptations to survive in extreme cold and
harsh conditions.

Polar Desert Coastal Zone

1. Polar desert: A polar desert is a type of ecosystem found
in polar regions, characterized by extremely cold
temperatures, low precipitation, and barren landscapes
with minimal vegetation.
2. Tundra: The Tundra has permafrost beneath the surface,
limiting the depth of plant roots. The tundra is also home
to wildlife adapted to harsh conditions, like caribou,
arctic foxes, and migratory birds. This zone is found in the
Arctic.
3. Ice cap: Ice caps are extensive masses of ice that cover
polar regions, including the Arctic and Antarctic. These
ice caps support unique ecosystems adapted to extreme
cold, with organisms like polar bears, seals, and cold-
adapted algae.
4. Coastal: The coastal zone in polar ecosystems is a region
where land meets the ocean in polar regions,
characterized by cold temperatures, ice formations, and
unique biodiversity adapted to extreme conditions.
 ADAPTATION
Polar ecosystems have adapted to extreme cold, limited light, and harsh
conditions. Examples of adaptation include thick fur in mammals for
insulation, small body size to reduce heat loss, and specialized behaviors like
hibernation or migration to survive the long winters. Additionally, some
plants have evolved to grow close to the ground to minimize exposure to
the cold and wind.
Adaptations in polar ecosystems are essential for species to survive in extreme
cold, ice-covered environments. Some common adaptations include:
Insulation: Many animals have thick fur or blubber to retain heat, such as polar
bears and seals.
Camouflage: White fur or feathers help species blend in with the snow and ice,
like Arctic foxes and ptarmigans.
Countercurrent heat exchange: In marine mammals, blood vessels are
arranged to conserve body heat, preventing it from escaping into extremities.
Hibernation: Some animals, like ground squirrels, hibernate during the long
winter to conserve energy.
Specialized diets: Species like penguins and krill have evolved specific diets to
exploit available food sources.
Reduced metabolism: Many animals have lower metabolic rates during winter,
conserving energy.

These adaptations help organisms thrive in polar regions, but they still face
challenges due to climate change and habitat loss.
Some Adapted Flora & Fauna:

Penguin Purple Saxifrage Polar Bear

FOOD WEB
Here's a simplified representation of a polar food web:
Primary Producers: Algae (phytoplankton) in the ocean Lichens and mosses on
land ,Diatoms in sea ice.

Primary Consumers: Zooplankton (krill, copepods) in the ocean. Herbivorous

insects (such as midges) on land.

Secondary Consumers: Small fish (like Antarctic silverfish) in the ocean Birds
(e.g., penguins, seabirds) that feed on fish Arctic foxes and seabirds on land.

Tertiary Consumers: Top predators like seals and sea lions in the ocean ,Polar
bears on land and ice

Scavengers: Scavengers like skua birds that feed on carrion and steal food from
other birds

This simple food web reflects the basic flow of energy in polar ecosystems.
 Environment Challenges & Conservation Effort
The polar ecosystems, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions, face
significant environmental challenges due to climate change. Melting ice,
rising temperatures, and ocean acidification threaten these fragile
environments. Conservation efforts aim to protect polar ecosystems by
establishing marine reserves, regulating fishing, and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, research
and international cooperation play key roles in understanding and preserving
these vital ecosystems.
Three Questions:
1. Why Antarctica is colder than Arctic?
2. What is “Permafrost”?
3. What is the main threats to polar ecosystem?