Seal peeking its head out of a hole in the sea ice

Arctic Biodiversity

Learn about the Arctic food web and the interrelationships of Arctic species.

Polar bear looking at camera while walking on frozen tundra

The Role of the Unit

Individual studies of the native plants and animals will enhance the understanding of Arctic biodiversity and our role in protecting these unique species.

Two polar bears playing on their hind legs

Photo: Daniel J. Cox

Lesson Plan

Extreme Ecosystems: A Biodiversity Lesson. The Arctic food web is made up of fewer species and is more fragile than those in other regions of the world. This lesson plan explores the biodiversity of this extreme ecosystem.

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All About Polar Bears

Polar Bear FAQ

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about polar bears, climate warming, and more.

Polar Bear Facts

Complete facts and information, from fur to cubs to home range.

Photo: Daniel J. Cox

A polar bear peeking its head out of the water

A polar bear traveling across the sea ice

All About Polar Bears

Polar Bear FAQ

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about polar bears, climate warming, and more.

Polar Bear Facts

Complete facts and information, from fur to cubs to home range.

Other Resources

Arctic Food Web

This illustration depicts organisms that eat other organisms in the Arctic ecosystem. A food web is a network of energy that flows in and out of the ecosystem. A food chain is one particular route through a food web.

Tools:

Arctic Animals: A slideshow of Arctic animals.
Google Earth Tour – Arctic Tern: The Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) makes an incredible migration each year. These small birds travel more than 50,000 miles, from pole to pole, crossing through temperate and tropical regions along the way. Carsten Egevang used geo-locator tags to track ten of these terns, and he shares their story with us in this tour.