Open woodland grades into tundra. V. Arctic Tundra A. Climate - tundra 1. Very short growing season, temps remain cool even in summer. Herbaceous plants - not sufficient energy supply to support woody tissue 3. Perennial plants - not enough energy, growing season too short to complete life cycle in one summer, annuals rare.
Plants survive as root stock during winter, buried by insulating layer of snow.
Supported by rich sea life. Second, loss of trees and woody plants altogether.