Page 33 - SST Class 05

Natural Vegetation

In Greenland, everything is covered in ice during the winter and no vegetation grows
here. So, there are no forests or trees. In summer, when there is a little relief from cold,
some mosses, lichens, shrubs and grasses grow here. Besides, some colourful flowers,
blue berries and cranberries can also be spotted here.

Wildlife

Despite lack of natural
vegetation, Greenland is
gifted with some unique
wildlife. Many fur-bearing
animals are found here
which can withstand
extreme cold. The Reindeer Lemming Arctic fox
important species of wildlife are wolf, reindeer, polar bear, musk ox, Arctic fox, hare,

wolverine and lemming. A wolf-like dog called husky is also found here.
Water animals and birds are found in Greenland. Seal, whale, walrus etc., are found in
the cold water below the ice. Birds like duck, goose, wader, khua and loon are found
here. During summer, several birds migrate to this place for nesting and feeding,

making this place very fascinating.
Greenland has the world’s largest national park

which is located most northerly. Its name is the
Northeast Greenland National Park. It is larger
than several countries of the world.
Lifestyle
Seal Whale
The population of Greenland is very sparse, only a little above 56,000. The Eskimos ,
also called Inuit , are the original inhabitants of Greenland. They have adapted
themselves to the harsh climatic conditions well. They live in the northwest part of the

island. Most of them have now merged with the Europeans and are called
Greenlanders .
They are short and strong and have a yellowish-brown skin. They have high cheek-

Eskimo man and An Eskimo hunting Sledge Igloo Kayak
woman seal by a harpoon

Greenland : The Land of Ice 33