Polar Ice Biome

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The Polar Biome The polar ice biome actually consists two biomes, both on opposite ends of the world; the north and south poles. These biomes are defined as being high and low-altitude areas where the energy from the sun is weak enough for water to freeze and create pack ice (North Pole) and ice sheets (South Pole). The polar ice caps are very similar to the arctic tundra in that many of the same organisms can be found in both the tundra and the ice caps. While it may not seem like there is much to the ice caps, there is actually an abundance of wildlife living both on the ice and below it in the water. Polar ice regions are the regions at the far north and south of the globe. They are also known as the North and South Poles. The North Pole is located in an area called the Arctic, and the South Pole is located in an area called the Antarctic. Polar ice regions are made of ice, snow, and cold waters. The land found at the northernmost part of earth is called the polar deserts. Unlike most deserts, it is very cold, but like most deserts there is little rain and the soil is filled with rocks. Other biomes that border this one are taiga and tundra. The entire polar ice region includes parts of the tundra as well as the polar deserts. There aren't many plants that can survive in the polar deserts. Plants bringing biodiversity to this area are mosses and lichens (algae and fungi that live together). The animals that live in the entire Arctic region are polar bears, penguins, and even the unusual Arctic tern that enjoys summer all year. It migrates from north to south throughout the year. Polar bears are the most popular animal that lives there. But, penguins rule the southern end of the planet. There are up to 20 species of penguins. Most animals have a thick layer of blubber or fat so they can survive the subzero temperatures. The polar ice regions are

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