Life in the Tundra
Life in the Tundra
Imagine a vast, frozen land where the wind howls and the ground is covered in snow and ice for most of the year. This is the tundra, one of Earth's coldest biomes. But don't let the icy conditions fool you – the tundra is home to some amazing plants and animals that have adapted to survive in this challenging environment!
What is the Tundra?
The word "tundra" comes from a Finnish word meaning "treeless plain." There are two main types of tundra: Arctic tundra, found in the northern hemisphere, and Alpine tundra, found on high mountains all over the world. The ground in the tundra is permanently frozen, a layer called permafrost. This frozen ground prevents trees from growing because their roots can't penetrate it.
Plants of the Tundra
Even though it's cold, some plants have found clever ways to live in the tundra. These plants are usually short and close to the ground to protect themselves from the wind and cold. Some examples include:
- Tundra:
- A cold, treeless area with frozen ground.
- Permafrost:
- Permanently frozen ground found in the tundra.
- hibernate:
- To spend the winter in a deep, sleep-like state to save energy when food is scarce.
- migrate:
- To travel from one region to another, usually to follow food or warmer weather during different seasons.
- ecosystem:
- A community of living plants and animals interacting with each other and their physical environment.
- adaptations:
- Special body parts or behaviors that help living things survive in their environment.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the permafrost and why is it important?
- 2Name three types of plants that grow in the tundra and explain how they survive.
Where this passage belongs
About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“Life in the Tundra” is a informational reading passage about Tundra Ecosystem, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (481 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.