Final answer:
The Tundra region and Antarctica both have cold, dry climates, but the Tundra has a short summer growing season, whereas Antarctica is covered by thick ice and is almost uninhabited, controlled through international agreements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing the Tundra region and Antarctica reveals both similarities and differences in their environmental characteristics. The Tundra region, characterized by its Type E (polar) climates, lacks trees due to the semifrozen ground, which may thaw near the surface during the short summer season. In contrast, Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, often described as a desert because it receives less than 10 inches of precipitation yearly, with its interior receiving as little as a few inches of snow. Furthermore, the ice sheet covering Antarctica is extremely thick, contributing to the continent's classification as a desert despite its appearance.
While both regions experience low temperatures and limited precipitation, the Arctic Tundra has a short growing season with nearly 24 hours of daylight, during which plant growth is rapid, unlike Antarctica that is almost entirely covered by ice. Additionally, Antarctica contains mountain ranges and active volcanoes such as Mt. Erebus. The stark difference in human habitation is also notable; the tundra is home to groups such as the Inuit and Aleut people, whereas Antarctica is uninhabited and managed by the international community under various claims and research treaties.