Question

How do limiting factors affect the population of the Arctic tundra?

Answer 1

Hint: A limiting factor is any element, physical or biological, that can affect the growth of an individual or the size of a population. In other words, the population size or an individual's growth is controlled by the factor that is scarce. These factors may be abiotic such as temperature, availability of light, water resources, etc. The biotic factors include predation, completion, etc.

Complete answer:
-The tundra is an extremely cold, treeless region located in the Arctic Circle (Arctic tundra) or high mountainous region (alpine tundra). The region harbours an extreme climate, making it unsuitable for the survival of most life forms.
-The region experiences temperatures that fall as low as $ - 70^\circ C$. The climate is similar to that of a desert. In this case, it is a cold desert. During summers the region experiences a short reprieve, this is when most life forms thrive.
-The surface of the ground and even hundreds and thousands of feet below the ground are frozen throughout the year. This defining characteristic of the Arctic region is called permafrost. Because of permafrost, no vegetation can grow on the land. During summers this layer of frost is partially thawed. Bogs and ponds are created; certain life forms can now survive. The tundra ecosystem functions because of the thawing and freezing of the permafrost.
-As mentioned before the tundra region is like a cold desert. The precipitation received in an entire year is around $6 - 10$ inches. The moisture from the melting of the snow cannot sleep deeper into the ground because of the frost. Even during summers only shallow ponds or lakes are formed.
The tundra region is closer to the poles. Therefore, the region also receives little to no sunlight, especially during the long winter months. No photosynthesis occurs, so most plants do not survive the long winters.
-Plants that are usually found in this region include mosses, lichens, some grasses, and shrubs. Arctic tundra is inhabited by Arctic foxes, snow geese, polar bears, etc. All these limiting factors affect the population of the Arctic tundra.

Note: Human interference in the land for various purposes such as skiing, oil drilling, hunting, etc. has affected the tundra region as well. Apart from that every changing climate also affects the tundra biome. Global warming is gradually affecting the landscape and species that live in this region. Apart from that pollution, especially air pollution is leading to the depletion of ozone layers, disrupting the life cycle of some species and causing snow to melt faster. These threats to the region need to be dealt with to prevent further damage.