Alaska's Tundra & Wildlife

251 Pages·2001·16.07 MB·English

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ALASKA WILDLIFE CURRICULUM TEACHER'S GUIDE
Teacher Background Information,
KK--1122
Illustrations, and Resources,
Student Activities and Investigation
CORRELATED TO THE STATE STANDARDS
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Alaska’s Tundra & Wildlife
REVISION 2001 Project Managers:
Robin Dublin, Jonne Slemons
Editors:
Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Robin Dublin,
Karen L. Lew;
Expression: Elaine Rhode;
Educators: Jeanne L. Williams, David Honea
Bibliographer: Jane Meacham
Reviewers:
Alaska Department of Fish and Game: John Wright,
Holli Apgar, LeeAnne Ayers
Layout:
Classic Design & Typography: Chris Hitchcock
Illustration:
Conrad Field, Susan Quinlan, Garry Utermohle,
Debra Dubac
Indexing and Educational State Standards:
Jennifer Coggins, Robin Dublin
The Alaska State Legislature funded this revision of
Alaska Wildlife Curriculum in support of wildlife
conservation education.
The Alaska Wildlife Curriculum is a resource for
educators teaching today’s youth about Alaska’s
wildlife. We dedicate this curriculum to you and your
students.
Copyright 1995, 1999, 2001
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 1
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE is part Special thanks to Susan Quinlan, Marilyn Sigman,
of the Alaska Wildlife Curriculum that includes and Colleen Matt. Without their commitment to
Alaska Ecology Cards wildlife education, these materials would not be
Alaska’s Ecology & Wildlife available.
Alaska’s Forests & Wildlife
Alaska’s Wildlife for the Future The Alaska Department of Fish and Game
has additional information and materials
These materials have been field tested in on wildlife conservation education. We
classrooms throughout Alaska. Our thanks revise the Alaska Wildlife Curriculum
to the many teachers, students, and periodically. For information, or to provide
resource agency staff who have worked comments on this book, please contact us:
with and evaluated these materials.
Division of Wildlife Conservation
Because of your work, these materials are
Attention: Wildlife Education
accurate and well used.
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99518
Funding and staff support for past and
907-267-2168
present editions of the Alaska Wildlife
Curriculum include or visit our web site:
http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/
Alaska State Legislature
Alaska Conservation Foundation’s
Watchable Wildlife Trust Fund
ARCO Foundation
Alaska Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Forestry
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
National Parks Foundation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USDA Forest Service
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race,
religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, or disability. For information on alternative
formats for this and other department publications, please contact the department ADA Coordinator at [voice] 907-465-
4120, telecommunication device for the deaf [TDD] 1-800-478-3648, or fax [phone]. Any person who believes she/
he has been discriminated against should write to ADF&G, PO Box 25526, Juneau, AK 99802-5526, or OEO, U.S. Depart-
ment of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240.
2
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001
How to use this curriculum
TUNDRA at a GLANCE
What Is Tundra?
The term “tundra” describes the treeless ecosystems that develop in areas (cid:238) General overview
with long, cold winters and short, usually cool summers. Additionally,
persistent winds, low precipitation, and permafrost are important features
of some, but not all, tundra environments.
“Tundra” came from the Finnish word “tunturi” which means treeless
heights. Although tundra is treeless, not all tundra is at heights. Tundra
occurs on flat plains, on rolling hills, and on precipitous mountain slopes at
various locations around the earth. In the full sense of the word, “tundra”
TUNDRA INSIGHTS
refers to a type of geographic area with characteristic environmental
conditions and the plant and animal communities that have adapted to
live under these conditions.
What Causes Tundra? found above 55 to 60 degrees latitude on the coastal
Tundra is caused by low average ambient plains in the arctic regions of Siberia, northern
temperatures that inhibit plant growth. Other factors Europe, Canada, anSde Acltaisokna. 1 (cid:238)Background
such as long periods of low light level or darkness,
high winds, and low precipitation also inhibit plant AElLpiEneM tuEnNdrTa Sc aTnH ocAcTur CatR aEnAy pTlEac eT Uin NthDe RwoArld
growth. These combined environmental conditions where the land’s elevation is high enough to information
prevent the growth of trees and impact other plant experience low average temperatures on a routine
life by causing it to adapt to survive. The characteristic basis. Alpine tundra is found in hilly, mountainous,
environmental conditions, specialized plant life, and or alpine regions on all continents and can occur at
lack of trees create the ecosystem known as tundra. any latitude includiSnge cthtieo enq u2ator.
Where Is Tundra Found? WTUhaNt DCaRuAse sT COoPldO CGonRdAitPioHnsY i nA TNuDnd rSaO?IL
Tundra is found in two locations: Cold conditions found in high latitudes result
(1)high latitude tundra (also called lowland tundra primarily from the effects of the tilt of the earth’s axis
or arctic tundra) near the poles, and of rotation. Less of the sun’s warming energy reaches
(2)high elevation tundra (also called alpine the surface of the earth in these regions and lower
tundra) on mountains all over the world. ambient tempeTratuSrUeesc toicocNnur .3 HigDh latitRude tAundra ACTIVITIES
forms in response to the long, cold winters and short,
Much of the earth’s tundra occurs in the NorLthIFerEn FOcRooMl sSu mAmNerDs fTouHnEd IaRt hTiUghN laDtiRtuAde sA. SDeAcoPndTaAryTIONS
Hemisphere because of its greater land mass. Tundra effects such as long periods of darkness and
occurs where cold temperatures are prevalent and persistent high winds produced by large masses of
environmental conditions combine to limit survival cold air all contribute to the formation of high
of life forms. Large areas of high latitude tundra are latitude tundra.
Section 4
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 9 TUNDRA ECOSYSTEMS – Section 1
COMMUNITY CONNEELCETMIOENNSTS THAT CREATE TUNDRA
(cid:238)Activities
Section 5 Section 2
HUMAN IMPACTS ON TUNDTRUAN EDCROAS YTOSTPEOMGSRAPHY AND SOIL
Section 3
LIFE FORMS AND THEIR TUNDRA ADAPTATIONS
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 11
Section 4
TUNDRA ECOSYSTEMS –
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Section 5 Section 1
HUMAN IMPACTS TUNDRA ACTIVITIES
ON TUNDRA ECOSYSTEMS (cid:238)Student activity
Grade Level: 4 - 12
State Standards: Geo A-1,
Geo A-5, Geo B-1 boxes provide a
Subjects: Science, social
studies, geology quick planning
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 67 Skills: Using an atlas,
reading maps, classifying reference
Duration: 45 - 60 minutes
Group Size: Individual,
multigrade partners, or
small groups
Setting: Indoors
Vocabulary: Biomes,
limiting factors, tundra
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 3
How to use this curriculum
CONTINUED
TUNDRA APPENDICES (cid:238) Support materials
for lesson planning
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
Acid: a chemical with a pH value less than 7. Arctic tundra: the cold, windy, treeless environment
MORE CURfRouInCd Uin LthUe AMrct icC aOndN mNaritEimCeT SIuObarNctiSc. Also
Acid rain: rain that has a high concentration of nitric called high latitude tundra and lowland tundra.
and sulfuric acids from pollution or natural Distinguishable from the alpine tundra.
sources.MORE CURRICFUoLlkUtaMle Cs,O FNicNtiEoCnA,T tPImOooNesptShrye,r eB: itoheg wrahopleh mieass,s aofn adir sPuircrotuunrdein Bg othoeks
(FoAlkcitdaicl:e asc,id F foicrmtiiongn., Poetry, BiograSpuhpiepsle, manedne tPairnitchgt. uArlaes kBao’so Tkusn)dra and Wildlife
Active layer: thAes clahy, eFrr aonfk .s oSoiln gl yoifn tgh eo Nno rttoh.p Soafn DiAexgios:: aH raeraclo ourr itTmEagGAineaoCrrygH setrE,a JiRgeha tnR l inCEer SapiaOgshsUienagRd t.h CrAoErucgtSihc Son. New York:
permafrost that thBarwacse a, n1d9 9re9-. f(rPeoezeetrsy e)ach year. an object or body,H syupcehr aiosn t,h 1e9 e9a7r.t h(P, iacntudr ea rBoouonkd)
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surface. EaslBeoy,y dMsa MryiAlln Pnr.e sI sa,<Em 1wd 9tuw9h6cew .aI .(catFeil ioaWcnstoik,or aAmn.Als .aG tDsHakrC.Ftao e5a &ni+.nluefG ):sMs ,nd/ aaeap3dwlse3f:b,g 3 Ao>P rAT nRoh: oeram rsLf ayrp tooAbicmu- eA5n1r tg9rWla y9csi 1a.l .drFRilabdiifor.eb,ua.nks: U1Tn9iu8vne4dr.sriat yWritiDnagr lAindgv,e Knatuthrey. Arctic Babies. New Yolrk: Walker, 19T96. 167
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Junior Environment on FHilea. rNpeewrC Yoollrikn: sF,a 1c9tLs9 o7D.n -( F1GCierl,en K, t1-e93r9) P6u.b.Co.,19IaEn9ruex4u a.a qm(lapstiooing eieaitt v rt(ayhc)iuelFar orIbsirclmseuu.lauenms, M friocmha tehle. AInructiitc pTeurnsdpreac. tNiveew)n York: ChildreTn’s 207
ALASKA’S TULNiDnRgAe &lb WaIcLDhL,I FJE. H20a0nB1dosr-rOHonor,-u NDgaohtntuoarenl dI nM. fPoirfemft2leiar2nst1Loi,o n1 nD’9s a 9-Fn48ide.l Ad cGtiuviitdiees to InAsecltass.E kBxaoa smtoinne:N thaetu IrsasPlur eesss, 1H9e9r7i.tage Programn T 207
for Exploring the Environment with Children. <www.uaa.alaFoskwal.eerd, Aul/aenn.r iA/arcktnich Tpu_nwdreab: L>a nCdu wrritehn Nto Trees. New York:
Woodstock, BVrTa:n Vleeyr,m Froanntk lIynns.t SituunMtsehA inoTefH MNEaaMkteAus trThaIelC SSea sConO. NMstTaaEdtuiNssoT on fS, ATlAasNkDa’sAC bRhiioDlddSriveenr’ssi Ptyr,e asnsn, o19ta9t6e.d species
Science, 1986. AvWaiIl:a Dbelem <cwo,w 1w9.8v5in.Msw Ae-b3.org> abAHtio cardtriivsivvekie strpytsirniotgyj eaWGcnteid,lod abrlignfieoed,l o Jeegxaycn re eClslreoanuigtr chleeisna.kds. Jtuoli eA olSfa tushkiet aaWsboilvlietsy. NewB YooTorkk: P1a9g5e
Branley, Franklyn. WhaMt M Aa-k4es Day and Night. NHewar Yvoerskt:ing WildHlifaerperCollins, 1972. s T 195
ALASKA’S TUNDRHA a&r WpIeLDrCLIoFEl l2i0n0s1, 1986. 223
SCIENCE CONTENT STANDARDGeSorge, Jean Craighead. One Day in the Alpine Tundra.
BrimPmreesrs,, L1a9r9r6y.. Polar SM Aam-1m2als. New York: ChADPilcrladatnriwve Y niYto’ysouurr T TuunnddNrarae Pw Al anYnoimtrka: lHarperCollins, 1S9u84it.assbility BoTTok P11a44g33e
Tundra Field Guide s T 161
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 Tundra W22r7iting Adventure l T 167
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 245
ALASKA ECOLOGY CARDS
266. CARIBOU F,T
Alaska Ecology Cards – Student-directed learning resources in ready- Traits: Moderately-sized hoofed mammal with
to-copy sheets applicable to all books in the Alaska Wildlife short ears and tail, mane on neck. Antlers large
and variable with forward projecting brow tines.
Curriculum Habitat: Lowland and alpine tundra, boreal
forest. Cool windblown sites or snow fields in
summer to escape insects.
Several lessons require or may be improved by use of the Alaska Ecology Cards. To order, Foods: Grasses, sedges, lichens, leaves of willow
contact the Division of Wildlife Conservation/Wildlife Education. and birch, herbs.
Eaten By: Wolves, bears, wolverine, humans.
For more animal facts, refer to the Alaska Wildlife Notebook Series available on the Web Do You Know? Caribou are the only member of the
deer family in which both sexes grow antlers.
at www.state.ak.us/adfg/
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ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001
* * * TO ADVANCE DIRECTLY TO THE START OF A UNIT CLICK ON BOLD TEXT IN TABLE OF CONTENTS * * *
Alaska’s Tundra & Wildlife
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Use This Curriculum.......................................................................................................... 3
Tundra at a Glance ......................................................................................................................... 9
Tundra Insights.............................................................................................................................. 11
Section 1. Elements that Create Tundra................................................................................... 13
Section 2. Tundra Topography and Soil ................................................................................... 19
Fact Sheet: Permafrost................................................................................................................ 21
Fact Sheet: Permafrost –Thermokarst and Pingos.................................................................... 22
Fact Sheet: Permafrost – Polygons............................................................................................. 23
Fact Sheet: Permafrost – Solifluction and Frost Boils.............................................................. 24
Fact Sheet: Permafrost – Slumping Caused by Vehicle Tracks ................................................ 25
Article: “The Ups and Downs of Life on Frozen Ground” ........................................................ 26
Section 3. Life Forms and their Tundra Adaptations ............................................................. 29
Fact Sheet: Kingdoms – Monerans and Protists....................................................................... 30
Fact Sheet: Kingdom – Fungi...................................................................................................... 31
Fact Sheet: Kingdom – Plants..................................................................................................... 32
Fact Sheet: Kingdom – Animals (Invertebrate)......................................................................... 33
Fact Sheet: Kingdom – Animals (Vertebrate)............................................................................ 34
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Migration ............................................................................ 35
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Shelter................................................................................. 36
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Food .................................................................................... 37
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Size and Shape................................................................... 38
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Fur, Feathers, and Movement............................................ 39
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Color.................................................................................... 40
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Antifreeze............................................................................ 41
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Growth and Reproduction................................................. 42
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Plant Growth....................................................................... 43
Fact Sheet: Tundra Adaptations – Insect Insider Tips.............................................................. 44
Section 4. Tundra Ecosystems – Community Connections..................................................... 45
Poster: Alpine Tundra................................................................................................................. 48
Poster: Lowland Tundra ............................................................................................................. 50
Key to poster images................................................................................................................ 52
Fact Sheet: Population Cycles – Tundra Case Study ................................................................ 56
Section 5. Human Impacts on Tundra Ecosystems ................................................................. 57
Tool: Teacher’s Guide for Dealing with Differing Viewpoints................................................ 64
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 5
Alaska’s Tundra & Wildlife
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Student Tundra Activities
Section 1. Elements that Create Tundra.........................................................................................................69
Tundra Around the World (Gr. 4-12)..............................................................................................................69
Worksheets: Changes in Latitude...............................................................................................................71
Worksheets: Biome Climates......................................................................................................................72
Answers to Worksheets...................................................................................................................................74
Signs of Cold in the Environment (Gr. K-3)..................................................................................................75
The Absence of Heat (Gr. 4-12)......................................................................................................................77
Activity 1: Heat Energy and the Sun (Gr. 4-12)........................................................................................79
Activity 2: Wind and Air Temperature (Gr. 4-12)......................................................................................80
Does the Ocean Freeze? (Gr. K-4)..................................................................................................................81
Snow Blanket (Gr. K-9) ...................................................................................................................................83
Snow Compaction (Gr. 4-12)..........................................................................................................................87
Section 2. Tundra Topography and Soil .........................................................................................................91
Tundra Topography (Gr. 4-12) ........................................................................................................................91
Edible Permafrost (Gr. K-6)............................................................................................................................93
Heaving and Thawing in the Classroom (Gr. K-4)........................................................................................95
Decomposition and Cold (Gr. K-3)................................................................................................................97
Rotting in the Cold Tundra (Gr. 4-12)............................................................................................................99
Rotting and Freezing (Gr. 4-12)....................................................................................................................101
Lichen Soil Builders (Gr. 4-6).......................................................................................................................103
Section 3. Life Forms and Their Tundra Adaptations ................................................................................107
Growth and Cold (Gr. K-3)............................................................................................................................107
Rooting in the Bright Tundra (Gr. 3-12) ......................................................................................................109
Rooting in the Cold Tundra (Gr. 3-12)........................................................................................................ 111
Flower Flip Book (Gr. K-3) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL...................................................................................113
Tundra Adaptations: (Gr. K-9)......................................................................................................................117
Activity 1: Color and Heat Absorption ...................................................................................................119
Activity 2: Color and Heat Loss ..............................................................................................................120
Activity 3: Size and Heat..........................................................................................................................121
Activity 4: Long Ears and Heat................................................................................................................122
Tools: Tundra Adaptation Cards..............................................................................................................123
Blubber Mitts (Gr. K-5) .................................................................................................................................131
Caribou Migration (Gr. 4-6 and 7-12)..........................................................................................................133
Plan Your Tundra Plant (Gr. 3-8) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL.........................................................................141
Design Your Tundra Animal (Gr. 3-8) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL .................................................................143
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ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001
Alaska’s Tundra & Wildlife
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 4. Tundra Ecosystems – Community Connections.........................................................................145
Life in the Tundra Soil (Gr. 4-12) *ECOLOGY CARDS REQUIRED........................................................................145
Di’s Story (Gr. K-6) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL ...............................................................................................147
Pika Tag (Gr. 3-6)...........................................................................................................................................155
Muskox Maneuvers (Gr. 4-8) ........................................................................................................................158
The Dating Game (Gr. K-12) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL................................................................................161
Animal Charades (Gr. K-12) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL................................................................................163
Tundra Field Guide (Gr. K-12) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL.............................................................................165
Tundra Writing Adventure (Gr. 4-12) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL..................................................................167
Survival Links (Gr. K-4) *ECOLOGY CARDS REQUIRED........................................................................................169
Tools: Survival Links Paper Chains.........................................................................................................172
Tundra Connections (Gr. 4-10) *ECOLOGY CARDS OPTIONAL ...........................................................................174
Tundra Food Chain Puzzles (Gr. 4-10).........................................................................................................176
Tools: Tundra Food Chain Puzzles ..........................................................................................................178
Tundra Food Chain Relay (Gr. 4-10) *ECOLOGY CARDS REQUIRED...................................................................183
Tundra Ecosystem Solitaire (Gr. 4-10) *ECOLOGY CARDS REQUIRED .....................................................................185
Section 5. Human Impacts on Tundra Ecosystems .....................................................................................187
How Clean is Your Snow? (Gr. K-3) .............................................................................................................187
Lichens and Acid Rain (Gr. 4-9)...................................................................................................................189
Vehicles on the Tundra (Gr. K-12)................................................................................................................193
Harvesting Wildlife (Gr. 4-12).......................................................................................................................195
Tundra Puzzlers (Gr. 8-12).............................................................................................................................197
Puzzler: Tundra and Permafrost – Icy Balance.......................................................................................199
Puzzler: Is Tundra Radioactive?...............................................................................................................201
Puzzler: Hard Life for Arctic Brown Bears ..............................................................................................203
Puzzler: Lichens, Caribou and Acid Rain ...............................................................................................205
Examine the Issues (Gr. 4-12)..................................................................................................................... 207
Appendices.........................................................................................................................................................211
Glossary.........................................................................................................................................................213
More Curriculum Connections ....................................................................................................................221
Teacher Resources........................................................................................................................................223
Full Citations – Activity Curriculum Connections .....................................................................................227
Planning Tools (activities cross-referenced by grade, topic, activity, state standards)..........................233
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 7
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ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001
TUNDRA at a GLANCE
What Is Tundra?
The term “tundra” describes the treeless ecosystems that develop in areas
with long, cold winters and short, usually cool summers. Additionally,
persistent winds, low precipitation, and permafrost are important features
of some, but not all, tundra environments.
“Tundra” comes from the Finnish word tunturi, which means treeless heights.
Although tundra is treeless, not all tundra is at heights. Tundra occurs on
flat plains, on rolling hills, and on precipitous mountain slopes at various
locations around the earth. In the full sense of the word, tundra refers to a
type of geographic area with characteristic environmental conditions and
to the plant and animal communities that have adapted to live under
these conditions.
What Causes Tundra? found at latitudes greater than 55 to 60 degrees on
Tundra is caused by low average ambient temperatures the coastal plains in the arctic regions of Siberia,
that inhibit plant growth. Other factors such as long northern Europe, Canada, and Alaska.
periods of low light level or darkness, high winds, and
low precipitation also inhibit plant growth. These Alpine tundra can occur at any place in the world
combined environmental conditions prevent the where the land’s elevation is high enough to
growth of trees and impact other plant life by requiring experience low average temperatures on a routine
it to adapt to survive. The characteristic environmental basis. Alpine tundra is found in hilly, mountainous,
conditions, specialized plant life, and lack of trees or alpine regions on all continents and can occur at
create the ecosystem known as tundra. any latitude, including the equator.
Where Is Tundra Found? What Causes Cold Conditions in Tundra?
Tundra is found in two locations: Cold conditions found in high latitudes result
(1) High-latitude tundra (also called lowland primarily from the effects of the tilt of the earth’s axis
tundra or arctic tundra) near the poles of rotation. Less of the sun’s warming energy reaches
(2) High-elevation tundra (also called alpine the surface of the earth in these regions, and lower
tundra) on mountains all over the world ambient temperatures occur. High-latitude tundra
forms in response to the long, cold winters and short,
Much of the earth’s tundra occurs in the northern cool summers found at high latitudes. Secondary
hemisphere because of its greater land mass. Tundra effects such as long periods of darkness and
occurs where cold temperatures are prevalent and persistent high winds produced by large masses of
environmental conditions combine to limit survival cold air all contribute to the formation of high-
of life forms. Large areas of high-latitude tundra are latitude tundra.
ALASKA’S TUNDRA & WILDLIFE 2001 9