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Why is the tundra ecosystem considered fragile and unstable?,

Why is the tundra considered a fragile and unstable biome

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Answer #1

Fragile, yes. Not necessarily unstable unless we humans mess it up.

The reason it’s fragile has to do with the cold temperatures and difficult growing conditions, with a very short growing season each year. All organic matter grows - and decomposes - much, much more slowly than in warmer climates. It can take years for a tiny Arctic flower to mature: push its stalk above the ground, slowly develop leaves to protect itself against the cold, slowly slowly develop a flower and then seeds… things that can happen in a matter of weeks in the tropics.

So any environmental damage takes much longer to regenerate - whether it’s tracks made by vehicles, bushes crushed, not to mention the danger of oil spills.

The animals and people who live (naturally) in these areas have long since found a balance with their surroundings. They take no more than is necessary, and use everything, carefully. They have adapted, as has the plant life..

Modern technologically-focused societies haven’t understood this, and have been rushing in to take out the mineral resources, without paying attention to the fragile natural surroundings.

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