T he tundra is located at the top of the world, near the North Pole.
Alpine tundra is found on the tops of tall, cold mountains.
The most distinctive characteristic of the tundra soil is its permafrost, a permanently frozen layer of ground. During the brief summers, the top section of the soil may thaw out allowing plants and microorganisms to grow and reproduce. However, these plants and microorganisms become dormant during the winter months. Animals are adapted to handle cold winters and to breed and raise young quickly in the very short and cool summers. The Evergreen Project, Inc.