The Tundra, among Earth’s coldest, harshest biomes, is known as home for 48 species of land animals, 1700 species of vegetation, and 400 varieties of flowers. There are two main seasons, winter and summer. There is very little precipitation, only about 6 – 10 inches (mostly snow) fall each year. In the summer, there is often just enough time to allow the top layer of the soil to thaw to let plants grow and reproduce. The vegetation consists mostly of shrubs, sedges, mosses, lichens, and grasses, with the growing season only lasting 50 to 60 days. There are very few plants and animals living in the harsh conditions of the tundra, and those who do are inherently clinging to life.
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