OLM 6.3. An example of revealing the mechanisms of regulation
Arctic ecosystems are among the simpler ones. Their primary production is low due to seasonal water deficit and short vegetative period (Ch12.1). There are no long food chains and no diverse guilds because of low primary productivity (Ch6.4.4, p.119), which makes it easier to think about the functioning of these communities. These systems get increasing attention because of the drastic climate warming on the globe. We briefly summarize and comment on the results of long-term studies on reindeers and some other species living in remote arctic islands under harsh conditions.