High Mountains? Luke Barnes and Drew Osburn

The High Mountains

CLIMATE…  The climate of The Andes is divided into two major regions: the Northern and Southern climates.  The Northern climate is characterized by hotter, rainier weather, as it is closer to the equator.  This humid climate is also exemplified by the rainforests found in the Northern region of The Andes.  The Southern region is much colder because of its distance from the equator.  Luke did this slide, he can elaborate.

Soil Conditions for the Andes Mountains  Soil conditions in the Andes tends to be rick in nutrients due to high volcanic activity in the area.  Luke did this slide so he can go into more detail

Producers!

Producer Facts!  Plants have to survive extreme temperatures, little rainfall, heavy snowfall, and strong winds.  They tend to be small in size to conserve energy.  The leaves of producers high in the Andes tend to be stiff and strong to protect them from the frost and extremely cold weather.  There are 15 species of Polylepis trees in the Andes.  Polylepis forests contain most of the trees in the Andes.

The Wild Potato  Wild potatoes in the Andes are found where temperatures range fro degrees F.  They are only found in 16 countries.  They grow close at the lower elevations  Being in an arid climate, there are small hairs on the leaves of the potato that collect water from the clouds.  These same hairs help to insulate the potatoes during frosts  The tubers (the part of the potato that we eat) stores water, sugar, and starches below the ground, safe from frost.  The wild potato is an endangered species.

Puya Rainmondii  These are the largest herbs in the world. They grow up to  They can grow at elevations up to 13,000 feet and can live for 100 years.  In order to allow moisture to run to the roots of the plant, the leaves all grow from one stem and the moisture runs down them to the base. This allows the plant to survive during drought.

Aspen Trees  Aspen trees are “cloned trees” meaning they reproduce exact copies of themselves using the same roots.  While aspen trees need lots of sunlight and water, they grow fairly easily almost anywhere. In the high mountains, they tend to get their moisture from snow.  Aspen trees also provide shelter for the smaller creatures that inhabit the mountains.  They also allow enough sunlight in through their branches that other plants can grow around them as well.

Consumers!

There are very few consumers that can survive the harsh conditions in the High Mountains. Animals must have thick fur and tend to be small in size to conserve heat. Many of the animals found here hibernate to survive cold winters.

Llamas  Llamas are found in the High Mountains as both wild and tame.  The llama has really thick fur to help it survive extreme temperatures.  It also has a long neck to help it see predators.

Snow Leopard  Snow leopards are more commonly found in the Himalayan mountains, and they are an endangered species.  Their fur is thick and helps it to blend in with its surroundings and keep warm.  Snow leopards are smaller than most wild cats and their ears are small and round, this helps to prevent heat loss.  It also has very large nasal cavities that help it to breathe the thin air.

Andean Condor  Fun fact! Condors mate for life.  This is the largest bird in South America.  While their heads are bald, they have soft, downy feathers around their neck to help them keep warm.  They “roost” on cliff edges and they use the thermal updraft produced in the morning to take off.

Natural Capital  The Andes mountains are inhabited near the base of the mountains, the people who live cut down the few trees that can grow there.  There are also mines for gold, silver, and copper in the Andes mountains.

Unique Qualities  There are more than 30 volcanoes located in the Andes Mountains.  There are only about 200 species of plants that can survive in this harsh biome.

Human Effects  Due to the popularity of mountain climbing, some mountains are becoming polluted.  Through acid rain (which is being caused by the increase of gases in the air (sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) the natural lakes in the mountains are being sterilized.  Also through deforestation and civilizations in the mountains.

Bibliography    umdrive.memphis.edu/g-sig/www/animals- liveinmountains.htm   hassam.hubpages.com/hub/Alpine-Biome 