Arctic Life
Explore Arctic Lifeforms
The Canadian Arctic is home to iconic wildlife and many species at risk. Our Arctic Life section explores the vast diversity of Arctic species by combining current biological classification, unique external resources, and collaborative content from experts and enthusiasts alike.
animals
Explore characteristic Arctic animal species, and their unique adaptations to harsh environments of the North. “Animals” includes all members of the biological kingdom Animalia, which includes everything from insects to mammals.
• Birds • Mammals • Fish • Insects • Invertebrates • Arthropods •
plants
If asked to imagine an Arctic landscape, a collection of beautiful plants do not typically come to mind. The Arctic is home to some of the most amazing plant species; learn about the many families of Arctic plants, along with their unique and astounding adaptations.
• Flowering • Conifers • Ferns • Mosses • Marine • Freshwater •
LICHENS
Learn about lichens; organisms that arise through a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic bacterium or alga. Explore the adaptations and biology of 275 unique Arctic Lichen species, all of which are actually members of the kingdom Plantae!
• Crustose • Foliose • Fructicose • Squamulose •
MUSHROOMS AND OTHER FUNGI
Explore the many intriguing species of Arctic fungi, and how they contribute to equilibrium within fragile northern ecosystems. Importantly, members of the kingdom Fungi can be used as a bioindicator of environmental changes resulting from pollution.
• Bread Moulds • Yeasts • Club Fungi •
Algae and allies
Learn about the kingdom Protista, which includes all those organisms that are not bacteria, animals, true fungi, or green plants. Explore the diverse groups of protist species in the Arctic, including the well-known group of algae species.
• Algae • Oomycetes • Slime Moulds • Protozoans •
bacteria
Explore countless species of Arctic bacteria, all of which belong to the kingdom Monera. Bacteria have colonized every area of the Earth, including animal intestines where they aid in digestive processes, while others live in soil or water.
• Cyanobacteria • Mycoplasmas • Actinomycetes • Soil Bacteria •
Submit a Photo
We are looking for some beautiful photos of the Canadian Arctic for our website. Submit your own photos below for a chance to be featured on the ARCBIO project site! Please provide your full name so that your work can be credited
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