Earth is a unique planet characterized by a high diversity of landscapes, environments, and climates. The million years of evolution contributed to the emergence and development of specific species peculiar to particular regions. These creatures acquired specific survival mechanisms aligned with the characteristics of the biome. As a result, unique ecosystems with their balance emerged. However, the further development and existence of these areas depend on preserving their inhabitants’ natural habitat and the balance between species. For instance, the tundra biome and Scandinavian tundra ecosystem have unique keystone species necessary for the functioning and invasive species that might threaten animals living there. To save the unique ecosystem, it is vital to understand these creatures’ impact on the biome.
The Tundra biome is a unique area characterized by specific weather conditions and animals that managed to adapt to them. As with any ecosystem, the region has its keystone species or organisms playing a central role in the survival of other organisms and the development of the local environment (Dodds & Woodward, 2022). The disappearance of these creatures will promote radical changes in the whole ecosystem (Dodds & Woodward, 2022). For instance, in the tundra, the arctic fox is one of the keystone species (Ims et al., 2017). It is an integral part of the nutritional chain of polar bears, wolves, and kitty wakes (Ims et al., 2017). At the same time, it hunts local rodents and smaller animals, helping to preserve the balance (Ims et al., 2017). For this reason, the animal is fundamental for the region.
The emergence of invasive species might threaten the stable functioning of any biome. These can be defined as organisms that are not native to the ecosystem, and that is why they can cause serious environmental harm to the environment and diversity (Dodds & Woodward, 2022). For instance, the red fox can be considered invasive species seriously affecting the tundra biome (Dodds & Woodward, 2022). Similar to an arctic fox, it occupies the same territories and hunts for the same animals (Simpson, 2019). As a result of this competition, the natural habitat of one of the tundra’s keystone species becomes endangered. To avoid adverse effects, scientists and ecologists try to control populations and mitigate the outcomes (Dodds & Woodward, 2022). It ensures the preservation of balance and a stable biome’s evolution.
Unfortunately, due to the external impacts on the biome, tundra faces the risk of the complete disappearance of some species. For instance, the arctic fox mentioned above can be viewed as an endangered animal facing a high risk of extinction. The primary causes include hunting for fur, human activity influencing the natural habitat, and common dogs and parasites (Ims et al., 2017). As a result, the population reduced significantly, and there is a high risk of their complete disappearance. Thus, governments introduce strict prohibitions on hunting to protect arctic foxes (Ims et al., 2017). Moreover, a program focuses on controlling their population, health, and current state (Simpson, 2019). These measures are introduced to ensure tundra biome remains safe and continues to evolve.
Altogether, the tundra biome has its unique species vital for its stable functioning. Arctic foxes are keystone species playing an essential role in the survival of other organisms. They are part of nutritional chains and, at the same time, haunt smaller animals. The area also has some invasive species, such as red foxes. They compete with arctic ones, occupy their territories, and struggle for food. Moreover, human activity and hunting for fur resulted in a decline in the local animal population. For this reason, there is a need for specific measures to protect the region and its species from complete extinction.
References
Dodds, K., & Woodward, J. (2022). Arctic: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
Ims, R., Killengreen, S., Ehrich, D., Flagstad, O., Hamel, S., Henden, J., Jensvoll, I., & Yoccoz, N. (2017). Ecosystem drivers of an Arctic fox population at the western fringe of the Eurasian Arctic, Polar Research, 36(1). Web.
Simpson, P. (2019). Tundra biomes around the world. Capstone Press.