Climate
Summer- 10 to 15 degrees fahrenheit
Winter- below freezing
Temperatures vary drastically depending on your altitude, but during nighttime it is below freezing temperatures on the base to mid-section of the mountains, while at the peaks of the mountains it is freezing year-round. Temperatures and conditions are also affected by frequently changing weather patterns.
Winter- below freezing
Temperatures vary drastically depending on your altitude, but during nighttime it is below freezing temperatures on the base to mid-section of the mountains, while at the peaks of the mountains it is freezing year-round. Temperatures and conditions are also affected by frequently changing weather patterns.
Wildlife and Adaptations
Plants- No trees are found on peaks of mountains because of harsh weather and altitudes.
Tussock grasses, dwarf trees, small leafed shrubs, and Heaths
Adaptation #1- Dwarf trees are able to grow at low-altitude areas of mountains because of their height. It requires less energy to move water and food to the entire plant, while its height protects it from winds
Adaptation #2- shrubs and grasses hug the ground and grow slowly due to low Co2 levels at high altitudes.
Adaptation #3- Pine trees have a waxy coating over needles to hold water and prevent freezing.
Animals- Mountain goats, sheep, and elk
beetles, grasshoppers, and butterflies (low altitude)
Adaptation #1- Elk have a creamy/white coat in order to blend in with the mountainside
Adaptation #2- Mountain Goats have thin, agile legs used for navigating high altitudes and reaching food other animals would not be able to get
Adaptation #3- Sheep have thick fur to protect itself from harsh weather and winds
Tussock grasses, dwarf trees, small leafed shrubs, and Heaths
Adaptation #1- Dwarf trees are able to grow at low-altitude areas of mountains because of their height. It requires less energy to move water and food to the entire plant, while its height protects it from winds
Adaptation #2- shrubs and grasses hug the ground and grow slowly due to low Co2 levels at high altitudes.
Adaptation #3- Pine trees have a waxy coating over needles to hold water and prevent freezing.
Animals- Mountain goats, sheep, and elk
beetles, grasshoppers, and butterflies (low altitude)
Adaptation #1- Elk have a creamy/white coat in order to blend in with the mountainside
Adaptation #2- Mountain Goats have thin, agile legs used for navigating high altitudes and reaching food other animals would not be able to get
Adaptation #3- Sheep have thick fur to protect itself from harsh weather and winds
Questions
#1- What would happen to the mountain goat if high altitude shrubs suddenly died off?
#2- Why do alpine plants rely on organisms such as sheep, elk, and mountain goats? (hint: think photosynthesis)
#3-What do you think would happen if a tall pine tree grew on the peak of a mountain?
#4-How do you think these animals obtain water?
#2- Why do alpine plants rely on organisms such as sheep, elk, and mountain goats? (hint: think photosynthesis)
#3-What do you think would happen if a tall pine tree grew on the peak of a mountain?
#4-How do you think these animals obtain water?