1. Alpine (Mountain)

2. Alpine (Mountain) Characteristics
Found in mountainous regions including the Andes, Alps, and Rocky Mountains
Usually lies between an altitude (height) of about 10,000 feet and the place where the snow line of a mountain begins.
Generally, as altitude (height) increases, the temperature gets colder

3. Alpine (Mountain) Characteristics
Summer temperatures range from 40°-60°F and below freezing in winter.
Temperatures can change from warm to freezing in one day
Plants and animals have to be able to adapt to wind, cold, and very strong sunlight (ultraviolet rays)

4. Alpine (Mountain) Plant Life and Adaptations
Most plants are small, ground cover plants which grow and reproduce slowly
Plants have adapted to grow in sandy and rocky soil
At the high altitudes, there is little carbon dioxide. How does this affect the plants?

5. Alpine (Mountain) Plant Life and Adaptations
Plants need carbon dioxide to carry out photosynthesis. How is the lack of carbon dioxide evident in the plants that live in the alpine biome?
Limited carbon dioxide means limited food production through photosynthesis. Food and energy are necessary for growth and many other functions. Therefore, plants in the alpine biome remain small.

6. Alpine (Mountain) Plant Life
Tussock Grasses
Tussock Grasses
Dwarf Trees
Bristlecone Pine

7. Alpine (Mountain) Animal Life and Adaptations
Animals have to be able to survive cold, snowy conditions, high ultraviolet light exposure (from the sun), and a thin atmosphere
Animals have adapted by hibernating, migrating to warmer areas, or insulating their bodies with layers of fat or fur

8. Alpine (Mountain) Animal Life
Mountain Sheep
Mountain Goat
Ptarmigan
Chinchilla