Alpine Ecosystem By: Oliver Guerrero

Introduction The alpine ecosystem can be found on rocky mountaintops throughout the world. With cold temperatures, a short growing season and high exposure to ultraviolet radiation, these ecosystems have limited biodiversity Low NPP value

Map

Biotic and Abiotic factors Mushrooms Grasshoppers Small shrubs, grasses, and leafy plants Abiotic Altitude – Above the tree zone, over 10,000 feet high Permafrost – Only the top layer of soil thaws during summer Winds – Blows at 100 mph

Climate Precipitation – ~100 inches of rain, snow, and hail Freezing temperatures - In the summer average temperatures range from 40 to 60°F Winter temperatures are well below freezing Temp. drops ~10 degrees every 1000 meters up a mountain Only contains 2 seasons Long winter, short summer

Nutrient cycle The nutrient reserves within the litter and fine roots within surface soil layer were balanced Indicates that a tightly closed plant, litter, soil, nutrient cycle was in operation for the cycling of nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur The litter helped the retention of as many nutrients as possible in the Alpine ecosystem

Habitats and niches Alpine habitats are home to a range of animals Birds rock wren, kea, pipit, takahe, great spotted kiwi Lizards skinks and geckos Invertebrates weta, grasshoppers, giant snails, moths and butterflies, spiders, cicada and beetles These animals have adapted to the harsh alpine environment. Some adaptations include: freeze resistance of invertebrates, dark colouration for heat retention, flightlessness and omnivorous diets

Habitats and niches Alpine habitats have a wide variety… Near Mt. Rainier, Washington, a rocky spire has little soil to support tree life; whatever little soil is formed in freeze-thaw cycles drops off the sheer rock face. The gentler slope of the summit of Big Mountain in Montana would probably support trees if they weren't cleared to ski

Plants To survive the cold, low precipitation, poor soils and wind, tundra plants tend to be small and hug the ground They may have hairy leaves to trap heat, or grow in rock depressions where they are sheltered from the wind Consists of mosses, liverworts, lichen, short shrubs, sedges and grasses

Food Chain Snowshoe Hare (Herbivore) Lynx (Carnivore) Dwarf Clover (Producer) Beetle and millipede (Decomposer) Raven (Scavenger)

Food Web Coyote (Carnivore) Mountain Lion (Carnivore) Lynx (Carnivore) Black tipped jackrabbit (Herbivore) Douglas Squirrel (Herbivore) Mule Deer (Herbivore) Alpine Phacelia (Producer) Tall mountain shooting star (Producer)

Energy, Biomass, and Number Pyramids

Human Activity Direct Affect Indirect Affect Development of cities, uncontrolled hunting, construction of ski resorts and slopes leads to habitat loss and population decrease in the Alpines Governments have created wildlife parks and protective areas for species that are struggling to survive Indirect Affect Global warming, melting snow and warming up animals that have already adapted to the cold environment

Comparison Creating ski resorts Destroys trees Causes habitat loss Excessive use of water Creating protective areas/wildlife parks Helps endangered species Boosts economy Encourages tourism