Biomes
Alpine
Also Known As Alpine Tundra
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The alpine biome occupies the high-elevation zone of mountains worldwide, beginning just below the permanent snow line and running down to the tree line. Despite lying at temperate and even tropical latitudes, its short, cold summers and long freezing winters produce conditions that parallel arctic tundra, and only a few hundred cold-hardy, low-growing plant species survive its thin air, intense sunlight and battering winds.
Facts
Climate
Annual Precipitation (mm)Representative average for alpine tundra generally; local precipitation varies substantially by mountain range and elevation. Typical Low Temperature (C) Typical High Temperature (C) Cross-Tradition Connections
Demonstrates
Marmots and other alpine mammals hibernate through the long, harsh winter above the tree line.
Home To
Sources
1. Tundra Biome (Global Bioenergy)
Global BioenergyAlpine Tundra Climate sectionQuote, Alpine Tundra Climate section
Winters are less severe than in the Arctic, with lows rarely dipping below -18 C (0 F).
1. Tundra Biome (Global Bioenergy)
Global BioenergyAlpine Tundra Precipitation sectionQuote, Alpine Tundra Precipitation section
Alpine tundra tends to receive more precipitation than the Arctic tundra, averaging 12 inches (30 cm) yearly.
2. Alpine Biome (Blue Planet Biomes)
Blue Planet BiomesAlpine Biome pageQuote, Alpine Biome page
In the summer average temperatures range from 10 to 15 C.
2. Alpine Biome (Blue Planet Biomes)
2. Alpine Biome (Blue Planet Biomes)
Guanaco (Wikipedia)
Vicuña (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHome To: Vicuña, Distribution sectionQuote, Home To: Vicuña, Distribution section
Vicuñas live at altitudes of 3,200 to 4,800 m (10,500-15,700 ft)
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