Animals of the Tundra

Swift snowy owls cruise through the open sky over the vast, treeless tundra. Their beautiful plumage is white, flecked with black. Their wide, amber eyes search for prey below. These large carnivorous birds have a wingspan of almost 5 feet, as well as a keen sense of hearing, sharp eyesight, and deadly talons. In this book, readers will learn all about snowy owls and how they've adapted to live in the unique tundra habitat. Full-color photographs attract readers' attention and helpful features highlight key concepts.

With their long, shaggy hair and massive 800-pound bodies, musk oxen are built to withstand the cold, harsh conditions of the tundra. Musk oxen are herbivores, able to nourish themselves on the scarce vegetation that grows in this barren landscape. In this book, readers will learn about the musk oxen's adaptations to survive in the Arctic, its behavior, life cycle, and more. Eye-catching photographs bring the information to life and helpful features highlight key concepts such as interdependence of species.

Looking at the small, fluffy Arctic hare, you might be inclined to think it's a delicate creature. In truth, this tough little animal is able to endure the severe conditions of life on the tundra. In this educational book, readers will learn about how Arctic hares have adapted to suit their environment. Able to run at speeds up to 40-miles an hour and dig through the snow to find the woody plants they need to survive, Arctic hares are more resilient than they seem.

Did you know that polar bears have black skin to soak up the sun's heat? Or that their paws are covered in fur to protect them from the cold and keep them from slipping on ice? These are just a few of the many adaptations that have allowed polar bears to survive in the tundra habitat. In this engaging book, readers will learn all about polar bears, their life cycle, behaviors, and role in the ecosystem. Full-color photographs make the information pop.

The great grizzly bear is an iconic creature that has long captured people's imaginations. Weighing upward of 800 pounds and standing up to 8 feet tall, these massive beasts are top predators in the tundra. How have they adapted to live in this stark environment? In this educational book, readers will learn about the many challenges grizzly bears face, and how they have evolved to meet them. Debunking popular myths about grizzly bears, the informative text offers insight into the significant role these animals play in the tundra ecosystem.

Though they may be little, Arctic foxes are built to survive! Special adaptations have allowed Arctic foxes to thrive in the bleak tundra ecosystem. They can withstand temperatures as low as -58ºFahrenheit. Their fluffy white coats are more than ornamental-they're designed to act as camouflage in the winter snow. In this informative text, readers will learn all about Arctic foxes. Combining cute, high-interest subject matter with age-appropriate scientific study, this book is a must-read for young animal lovers and life science enthusiasts.

Arctic wolves are smaller than their grey wolf cousins. Their compact bodies are designed to hold in as much heat as possible in their frigid tundra home. Arctic wolves are top predators in the tundra ecosystem, hunting musk oxen, Arctic hares, and caribou. In this informative book, readers will learn about how Arctic wolves have specially adapted to live in this environment. They'll also learn about wolves' role and significance in the food web. Dynamic features and colorful photographs augment the text.

Caribou, or reindeer, are hoofed herbivores that live in the tundra habitat. Standing 5 feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 700 pounds, these large animals have specially adapted to their harsh living conditions. In this educational book, readers will discover how caribou have evolved to survive in the tundra. They'll learn about how caribou stay warm, what they eat, and why they migrate. Vibrant photographs bring the information to life, adding interest to the informative material.

Caribou-also known as wild reindeer-live in the cold, snowy tundra, where food is scarce. Their specially shaped hoofs help them walk on snow and dig for the food underneath it. What do caribou eat? How do they avoid dangerous predators? Readers will find the answers to these and other questions in this engaging text, which supports basic elementary science curricula. Full-color photographs of caribou in their natural habitat make readers feel as if they are on their own expedition to the frozen tundra.

Unlike other owls, snowy owls have feathers that cover their legs and feet to keep them warm in the freezing tundra. They have sharp beaks and claws to help them catch lemmings, mice, and rabbits. Readers learn about the lives of these fascinating birds through engaging text and striking photographs. They explore common elementary science curriculum topics, including predator-prey relationships and adaptations, in an accessible, exciting way.

Arctic foxes have developed special adaptations that help them survive in the unwelcoming tundra. In the winter, their fur is white; in the summer, when the snow melts, they grow gray or brown fur. The furry bottoms of their feet and their large tails keep them warm all year round. Readers will enjoy discovering these and other facts about this marvelous animal. These facts enhance readers' understanding of common science curriculum topics. Stunning photographs enhance the accessible text in a way that is sure to captivate young readers.

The tundra is very cold and difficult for animals to survive in. The ones who live there have developed special adaptations to help them stay warm and find food. For example, arctic wolves often have white fur to help them blend in with the snow, so they can sneak up on their prey. Readers learn this and many other fun facts about these powerful predators. Full-color photographs beautifully illustrate this informative text, which is designed to adhere to common science curriculum standards.