Only a few species live in the tundra areas through the winter. Other species migrate into the region for the summer season only. In the High Arctic, most plants have developed low and creeping structures more suitable for survival where cold, drying, and damaging winds are prevalent. Bowl-shaped flowers and hairy stems are also common because these features help to capture and retain heat from the sun. In general, the plants have low growth rates, low production capacities, inefficient sexual production, and simple distribution mechanisms.
Animals face many of the same challenges for surviving in the Arctic.
Whether living permanently in the region or visiting for parts of the year, the animals of the Arctic have special adaptations. The mammals, as well as birds, are quite mobile with some exceptions such as the Svalbard reindeer, which are extremely sedentary. Many of the animals are long-lived, reproducing often but having few young at a time. Because of the harsh climatic conditions on land, the biodiversity of the region is relatively poor. However, several interesting and important species are endemic or strongly influence the terrestrial ecosystems.