| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
The Arctic's ecosystem is very diverse and vulnerable to the slightest of alterations, which can have dramatic effects. This section will provide an overview of the most charismatic species present in the Canadian Arctic including cool facts, adaptations, and links to external resources. The content was structured hierarchically around current taxonomic classifications. | The Arctic's ecosystem is very diverse and vulnerable to the slightest of alterations, which can have dramatic effects. This section will provide an overview of the most charismatic species present in the Canadian Arctic including cool facts, adaptations, and links to external resources. The content was structured hierarchically around current taxonomic classifications. | ||
| − | =Arctic Amphibians= | + | =Arctic Amphibians and Reptiles= |
| − | + | ||
| + | The Arctic is far from a suitable habitat for most amphibians on Earth. Freezing temperatures and long periods of darkness make the Arctic almost inhabitable for '''herpetofauna'''. There are only 5 amphibian and 1 reptile species recorded in the Arctic. Please browse the section below to learn more about these resilient, unique animals. | ||
* [[Polar_Life/Polar_Animals/Arctic_Amphibians | Arctic Amphibians]] | * [[Polar_Life/Polar_Animals/Arctic_Amphibians | Arctic Amphibians]] | ||
Revision as of 19:13, 26 August 2019
The Arctic's ecosystem is very diverse and vulnerable to the slightest of alterations, which can have dramatic effects. This section will provide an overview of the most charismatic species present in the Canadian Arctic including cool facts, adaptations, and links to external resources. The content was structured hierarchically around current taxonomic classifications.
Arctic Amphibians and Reptiles
The Arctic is far from a suitable habitat for most amphibians on Earth. Freezing temperatures and long periods of darkness make the Arctic almost inhabitable for herpetofauna. There are only 5 amphibian and 1 reptile species recorded in the Arctic. Please browse the section below to learn more about these resilient, unique animals.
Birds
Birds are vertebrates that belong to the Class Aves, within the Phylum Chordata. You may be familiar with arctic species such as the snowy owl or Canada goose. However, around eighty other species of birds can be found in the Arctic! Following sections provide more detailed information on the arctic bird's adaptations, distribution and taxonomy.
Please explore the section below to learn more about all sorts of Arctic birds!
Mammals
Mammals are warm-blooded animals which are partially or completely covered with fur. They give birth to live young, which means that mammals also have mammary glands so they can produce milk for offspring.[1] Mammals play an extremely important role in ecosystems; either acting as prey for other organisms, or predators which regulate prey populations.[2]
The term mammal is rather recent and was proposed by Linnaeus in 1758 in the final edition of his book, Systema Naturae. He derived the term mammalia from the words for breast and animal (mamma + animalia = mammalia). From this derived the vernacular English term "mammal". Basically, members of the class Mammalia are distinguished from other animals by the possession of mammary glands and hair. Mammals owe some of their evolutionary success to endothermy, their ability to produce and control body heat internally. However, mammals are distinct in many other ways as well.
This section delves into countless amazing facts about Arctic mammals, their biology, hunting and trapping regulations, and Inuit legends, cultures, and languages regarding mammals. Please explore the section below to learn more about different Arctic mammals!
References
- ↑ Canadian Wildlife Foundation. (2019). Mammals. Retrieved from http://www.hww.ca/en/wildlife/mammals/.
- ↑ Canadian Wildlife Foundation. (2019). All About Mammals. Retrieved from http://cwf-fcf.org/en/resources/encyclopedias/fauna/mammals/all-about-mammals.html.
