Predation and Prey:
* Arctic Foxes: They prey on lemmings, voles, birds, and even caribou calves.
* Wolves: They hunt caribou, musk oxen, and hares.
* Polar Bears: They are apex predators, feeding primarily on seals.
* Lemmings and Voles: They are the base of the food chain, consumed by foxes, wolves, owls, and other predators.
* Caribou and Musk Oxen: They are herbivores, grazing on lichens and grasses, and are preyed upon by wolves.
Competition:
* Caribou and Musk Oxen: Both species compete for food and space, especially during harsh winters.
* Arctic Foxes and Wolverines: They compete for prey, particularly lemmings.
* Birds: Different bird species compete for nesting sites and food resources.
Symbiosis:
* Caribou and Arctic Foxes: Foxes follow caribou herds, scavenging on carcasses and preying on weak individuals. This relationship benefits both species.
* Squirrels and Birds: Birds often nest in trees, and squirrels may forage for food in the same trees, sometimes sharing resources.
Mutualism:
* Reindeer and Birds: Birds often pick parasites off reindeer, benefiting both species.
Cooperation:
* Caribou: They often migrate in large herds, providing safety in numbers from predators.
* Musk Oxen: They form tight circles to protect their young from predators.
Specific Interactions:
* Arctic Foxes and Snow Buntings: Foxes prey on snow buntings, but buntings can often avoid predation due to their swift flight.
* Lemmings and Owls: Lemmings are a primary food source for snowy owls, and their population cycles influence the owl population.
* Caribou and Predators: Caribou often have strategies to avoid predators, like migrating to areas where predators are less common or using their hooves to defend themselves.
Overall, the interactions between tundra animals are a complex and intricate dance of survival. These relationships are crucial for the health and stability of the tundra ecosystem.