Arctic Tundra Food Web
Terrestrial
Tundra
Circumpolar — Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia
Description
The Arctic tundra food web operates under extreme seasonal light and temperature variation, with a short growing season driving intense productivity. Lichens, mosses, and dwarf shrubs support herbivores adapted to harsh conditions. Lemming population cycles create boom-and-bust dynamics that ripple through predator populations.
Trophic Pyramid
Level 5
Decomposers
Cold-adapted bacteria
Fungi
Springtails
3 species
Level 4
Tertiary Consumers
Polar bear
Wolverine
2 species
Level 3
Secondary Consumers
Arctic fox
Snowy owl
Ermine
3 species
Level 2
Primary Consumers
Lemming
Caribou
Arctic hare
3 species
Level 1
Producers
Reindeer lichen
Arctic willow
Cotton grass
3 species
Apex Predators
Tertiary Consumers
Secondary Consumers
Primary Consumers
Producers
Key Interactions
- Lemming population cycles drive snowy owl and Arctic fox abundance
- Caribou migrate seasonally following lichen and vegetation availability
- Polar bears primarily hunt ringed seals at sea ice edges
- Arctic foxes cache surplus food for winter survival