1. Alpine Ecosystem
By: Oliver Guerrero

2. 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

3. Map

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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)

12. Energy, Biomass, and Number Pyramids

13. 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

14. 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