Final answer:
The Arctic iglu, or igloo, is a dome-shaped snow shelter used by the Inuit in the harsh Arctic climates, while the subarctic tupik is a tent made of animal skins over a wooden frame, used by nomadic Algonquin-speaking peoples in the slightly warmer subarctic region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the Arctic iglu and the subarctic tupik pertains to the indigenous shelters used by the peoples of these regions. An iglu, commonly known as an igloo, is a shelter constructed from blocks of snow, carefully carved and stacked in a dome shape. This structure is primarily found in the Arctic regions, where the Inuit peoples would build them as temporary shelters during hunting trips or other transient activities. The solid ice structure provides excellent insulation and withstands the frigid Arctic temperatures, which average around -34°C (-29.2°F) in winter and 3°C-12°C (37°F -52°F) during the short summer months.
The tupik, on the other hand, is a traditional summer tent made of animal skins stretched over a frame of driftwood or whalebone, and it's commonly associated with the subarctic region where Algonquin-speaking peoples like the Cree and Ojibwa resided. The subarctic environment, characterized by boreal forests, or taiga, and tundra, presented a slightly less harsh climate than the Arctic, with geographical features such as forests and tundra stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Here, the nomadic tribes would use the tupik as they moved with the seasons to hunt and gather.
In summary, the primary differences lie in both construction and materials used, being adapted to the varying climatic conditions and mobility requirements in the Arctic and subarctic regions.