alpine / tundra

Buy Siberian Alpine Tundra by zhaubasar on PhotoDune. Siberian alpine tundra against backdrop of mountain range. A characteristic alpine landscape with sparse vegetation i...

Alpine tundra in the mountains of Colorado with James Peak in the background.

Tundras are cold, harsh environments with distinctive biodiversity adapted to these conditions.

There are three types of tundra; arctic, antarctic and alpine. While the biodiversity here is less than the other biomes the species that do abide are quite unique.

The tundra region derives its name from the Finnish word "tunturia," which means treeless plain. The tundra is characterized by a harsh, frost-laden landscape, minus-zero temperatures, lack of precipitation, nutrients, and extremely short seasons. Divided into two major categories, the artic tundra and alpine tundra, the tundra environment is characterized by a distinct climate, flora and fauna.

High alpine tundra landscape with rocks and mountains at autumn. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, USA.

Bright pink and purple flowers blanket the alpine tundra near dramatic mountains. Credit: NPS/Dan Young

A high-end imagery resource from Shutterstock. Authentic, captivating stock photography and illustrations. All royalty-free.