2. Light availability: The Arctic experiences extreme variations in light availability throughout the year. During the summer months, the sun shines almost continuously for several weeks, while in the winter months, the sun may not rise for several weeks. This variation in light availability can affect the growth and reproduction of plants and animals, as well as the timing of ecological events such as migration and breeding. For example, many Arctic plants and animals have adapted to the long summer days by developing a rapid growth cycle, while some animals migrate to the Arctic during the summer months to take advantage of the abundant food resources.
What are 2 abiotic factors that affect life in the Arctic?
1. Temperature: The Arctic is characterized by extremely low temperatures, with average winter temperatures below -30°C (-22°F) and average summer temperatures below 10°C (50°F). These low temperatures can have a significant impact on the survival and distribution of organisms, as well as the rate of ecological processes. For example, many Arctic plants and animals have adapted to survive in the cold by developing thick fur or feathers, or by hibernating during the winter months.