The northernmost natural zone of the planet is the Arctic desert, which is located in the latitudes of the Arctic. The territory here is almost completely covered with glaciers and snow, sometimes there are fragments of stones. Here most of the time winter reigns with frosts of -50 degrees Celsius and below. There is no change of seasons, although during the polar day there is a short summer, and the temperature during this period reaches zero degrees, without rising above this value. In the summer it can rain with snow, there are thick fogs. There is also a very poor flora.
Due to such weather conditions, animals of the Arctic latitudes have a high level of adaptation to this environment, so they are able to survive in harsh climatic conditions.
What birds live in arctic deserts?
Birds are the most numerous representatives of the fauna that live in the zone of the arctic deserts. There are large populations of rose gulls and guillemots, which feel comfortable in the Arctic. The northern duck, the common eider, is also found here. The largest bird is the northern owl, which hunts not only other birds, but small animals and young large animals.
Pink seagull
Common eider
White Owl
What animals can be found in the Arctic?
Among the cetaceans in the Arctic desert zone, there is a narwhal, which has a long horn, and its relative, the bowhead whale. Also, there are populations of polar dolphins – beluga, large animals that feed on fish. Even in the arctic deserts, killer whales are found hunting various northern animals.
Bowhead whale
There are numerous populations of seals in the Arctic desert, including harp seals, mobile ringed seals, large sea hares – seals, 2.5 meters in height. Even in the vastness of the Arctic, you can find walruses – predators that hunt smaller animals.
Ringed seal
Among the land animals in the Arctic desert zone, polar bears live. In this area, they are excellent at hunting both on land and in water, as they dive and swim well, which allows them to feed on marine animals.
White bears
Another severe predator is the arctic wolf, which does not occur singly in this area, but lives in a flock.
Arctic wolf
Such a small animal as the arctic fox lives here, which has to move a lot. Lemming can be found among rodents. And, of course, there are large populations of reindeer here.
Arctic fox
Reindeer
Adapting animals to the arctic climate
All of the above species of animals and birds have adapted to life in the arctic climate. They have developed special adaptive capabilities. The main problem here is keeping warm, so in order to survive, animals must regulate their temperature regime. Bears and arctic foxes have thick fur for this. This protects the animals from severe frost. Polar birds have loose and tight plumage. In seals and some marine animals, a fatty layer forms inside the body, which protects from the cold. Protective mechanisms in animals are especially active with the approach of winter, when frosts reach an absolute minimum. In order to protect themselves from predators, some representatives of the fauna change the color of their fur. This allows some species of the animal world to hide from enemies, while others can successfully hunt in order to feed their offspring.
The most amazing inhabitants of the Arctic
According to many people, the most amazing animal in the Arctic is the narwhal. It is the largest mammal that weighs 1.5 tons. Its length is up to 5 meters. This animal has a long horn in its mouth, but in fact it is a tooth that does not play any role in life.
In the reservoirs of the Arctic, the polar dolphin, the beluga, is found. He only eats fish. Here you can also meet the killer whale, which is a dangerous predator that does not neglect either fish or larger marine life. Seals live in the arctic desert zone. Their limbs are flippers. If on land they look awkward, then in water fins help animals to maneuver at high speed, hiding from enemies. Relatives of seals are walruses. They also live both on land and in water.
The nature of the Arctic is amazing, but due to the harsh climatic conditions, not all people want to join this world.
