Caribou

Definition

Caribou are large, migratory members of the deer family, known scientifically as Rangifer tarandus. They are characterized by their impressive antlers, which are unique as both male and female caribou grow them. Caribou play a crucial role in Arctic ecosystems as both grazers and prey, influencing the vegetation patterns and serving as a food source for various predators.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Caribou are known for their incredible migratory patterns, traveling thousands of miles each year in search of food and calving grounds.
2. These animals have specialized adaptations for cold environments, including a thick layer of insulation and fur that changes with the seasons.
3. Caribou are herbivores that primarily feed on grasses, sedges, and lichens, playing an important role in shaping the tundra ecosystem.
4. Their antlers are used during mating rituals and can weigh up to 40 pounds; they shed their antlers annually after the breeding season.
5. Caribou populations are closely monitored due to threats from climate change and habitat loss, which affect their migratory routes and food availability.

Review Questions

• How do caribou migrations impact the Arctic ecosystem?
  • Caribou migrations significantly impact the Arctic ecosystem by influencing vegetation patterns and nutrient cycling. As they graze on plants like grasses and lichens, they help control plant growth and maintain biodiversity. Their movement also aids in seed dispersal and provides food sources for predators during different times of the year. This interaction ensures a balanced ecosystem where various species can thrive.
• Discuss the role of caribou in the food web of Arctic ecosystems and how their presence affects predator populations.
  • Caribou serve as a key component of the Arctic food web, acting as both grazers and prey. Their substantial populations provide a reliable food source for apex predators like wolves and bears. The presence of caribou helps maintain healthy predator populations, which in turn keeps herbivore populations in check. This dynamic relationship illustrates how caribou contribute to ecological balance within their environment.
• Evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on caribou populations and the broader implications for Arctic ecosystems.
  • Climate change poses significant threats to caribou populations through alterations in habitat, migration patterns, and food availability. As temperatures rise, changes in vegetation composition can limit their access to essential grazing areas. Additionally, disruptions to migratory routes can hinder breeding success. The decline of caribou could lead to cascading effects throughout the Arctic ecosystem, affecting predator populations, plant communities, and even Indigenous cultures that rely on caribou for sustenance.

Related terms

Migration: The seasonal movement of caribou over long distances to access food sources and breeding grounds, often covering hundreds of miles.

Lichens: A primary food source for caribou during winter months, lichens are a type of symbiotic organism made up of fungi and algae.

Predators: Animals that prey on caribou, including wolves and bears, which help maintain the balance of the Arctic ecosystem.