Adaptations of Arctic and Alpine Plants to Environmental Conditions

Abstract

Discusses tundra environments, i.e. beyond the climatic timberline, mostly in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and USSR, and various mechanisms used by plants in adapting to them. Despite a very short growing season with low air and soil temperatures, adverse wind effects, and a low nitrogen-utilization level, tundra plants are well adapted to their environment. They are apparently efficient converters of energy, due partly to their utilization of much of the growing season for growth and development, their use of considerable carbohydrate reserves of the previous year, and the higher caloric values of the species.