About Food Chains in the Tundra Ecosystem

Caribou are an example of primary consumers in a tundra ecosystem.

Though often pictured as bleak and inhospitable, tundra ecosystems are home to a number of different plant and animal species.

Description

Tundra refers to a biome located in far northern latitudes. This biome is characterized by long, cold winters and a short growing season.

Producers

Producers in tundra ecosystems are photosynthetic organisms that make their own food from energy provided by the sun. These organisms include mosses, grasses, low shrubs and lichens.

Primary Consumers

Primary consumers are organisms that eat producers. Because these organisms eat plants, they are called herbivores. Primary consumers in the tundra ecosystem include lemmings, arctic hares and caribou.

Secondary Consumers

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers. Because these organisms eat other animals, they are called carnivores. Secondary consumers in the tundra ecosystem include polar bears, wolves and arctic foxes.

Decomposers

Another important part of the food chain in a tundra ecosystem are the decomposers. These organisms, which include various species of bacteria and fungi, recycle nutrients by breaking down organic material, such as dead organisms and waste materials.

References

• UC Museum of Paleontology: The Tundra Biome
• beyondpenguins.nsdl.org: Tundra: Life in the Polar Extremes
• "McDougal Littell Biology"; Stephen Nowicki; 2008