Here it is, the beginning of June. Summer won’t officially be here for a couple more weeks. But with the heat coming on, we might need to take a chilly break.
Like a trip to the Arctic Region. Home of Santa and the Elves. But the Arctic is home to a lot of other things. Like enormous populations of certain animals, especially marine life.
So let us take a look at the whole big region of the Arctic, including the Arctic Ocean, tundra, sea ice, and surrounding northern regions.
In all those places, here are the most numerous animals by population.
1. Krill
Tiny crustaceans that feed whales, seals, fish, and seabirds by the trillions.
2. Copepods
Microscopic creatures that are a major foundation of the ocean food chain.
3. Arctic Cod
A key Arctic fish that supports many larger animals.
4. Mosquitoes
Massive summer swarms blanket parts of the Arctic tundra.
5. Lemmings
Small rodents that boom in population and feed many predators.
6. Arctic Terns
Migrating birds with the longest migration on Earth.
7. Snow Geese
Millions gather in Arctic breeding colonies each summer.
8. Ringed Seals
The Arctic’s most common seal and a main food source for polar bears.
9. Caribou / Reindeer
Large migratory herds roam Arctic tundra regions.
10. Polar Bears
The Arctic’s iconic predator, though relatively few in number.
So as you can see, the little guys are winning here. That is one interesting thing about the Arctic. The smallest creatures often vastly outnumber the famous large animals. Tiny marine organisms such as copepods and krill are the true population giants of the far north. It is those little animals that are supporting nearly the entire Arctic ecosystem.
So where do Santa and the Elves fit into all of this? Somewhere behind the Arctic Fox, Musk Ox, Walrus, Beluga Whale, Narwhal, Arctic Hare, Snowy Owl, Wolverine, Bowhead Whale, Puffin, Ermine, Greenland Shark, Ptarmigan, and the Arctic Wolf.
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“Even the smallest creatures carry the balance of the world.” — John Longe
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“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” — Aristotle
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“Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity.” — Michelangelo
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