Types

• Two types of tundra exist on the planet: lowland and alpine. Lowland tundra, also called Arctic or Antarctic tundra, occurs at high latitudes while alpine tundra occurs at high elevations.
  
  

Features

• While trees are absent, tundra biomes support lots of life. Mosses, lichens, sedges, wildflowers and occasional low, wind-swept shrubs occur. Permafrost abounds; only in the cool, sunny summer does the top layer thaw for seasonal plant growth.
  
  

Identification

• The State of Alaska website outlines features of tundra. While much of the boreal forest contains spruce, larch, birch, cottonwood and aspen trees, these trees disappear when the soil profile diminishes and permafrost dominates. If you see trees, it's called a taiga ecosystem.