SURVIVAL 

 

There are approximately 300 types of moss found in colonies, over 300 non-marine algae species and about 150 species of lichens. Lichens can tolerate very cold temperatures and can there-fore live in conditions that other plants can't. Lack of water is the largest concern for plants in this region, and lichens deal with this problem by living in cracks between rocks. 

 

Plants also grow close to the ground and to each other, which is a strategy that helps to resist the effects of cold weather. Plants also have fuzzy coverings on their stems, leaves and buds to provide additional protection from the wind. 

 

Plants have adapted to survive the long Winter's and short, intense polar Summer's. Virtually all polar plants are able to photosynthesise in extremely cold temperatures. In Summer, plants use the long hours of sunlight to quickly develop and produce flowers and seeds. Flowers of some plants are cup shaped and direct the suns rays towards the centre of the flower. Dark coloured plants also absorb more of the sun's energy.