Read the passage. The Harsh Tundra
Most plants require a steady, balanced amount of water, sunlight, and warmth to live. On the harsh, icy tundra, however, plants do grow, but
how do they survive?
Tundras are broad, treeless plains that are cold and dry. They occur in colder regions north of the Arctic Circle, such as Alaska. The tundra
usually remains blanketed in darkness all winter. The tundra remains frozen for most of the year. Temperatures can sink to -50°F! In summertime,
however, the tundra warms to about 50 °F for 6 to 10 weeks and receives 24 hours of sunlight. During this warm period, rain and melted snow form
small wetlands, ponds, and lakes, and plant life thrives. Moisture seeps into the ground but freezes below the surface as the cold sets in. This frozen
layer of ground is called permafrost. The top can thaw, but the rest of the ground often remains frozen and hard.
Plants that grow in this environment have special features or behaviors called adaptations that allow them to flourish even though light and
heat are limited. Many plants do not grow very tall so that they can avoid strong winds. Some plants, like the Arctic poppy and Arctic dryad, twist and
turn to try to catch as much sunlight as possible. A plant called Labrador tea does not shed its old leaves as most trees do every autumn. By
retaining its leaves, the plant protects itself from cold temperatures and blowing snow.
How does the passage show that plants can survive in the tundra?
O 1. It explains how permafrost protects and supports plant growth.
2. It describes different ways that temperature affects plant growth.
3. It gives examples of how certain plants adapt to the harsh conditions.
4. It provides details about how plants use different types of water sources.