Questions and Answers
What is the name of your focus biome?
Alpine Biome
What is your biome's characteristic landscape?
Cold, snowy, windy
What is your biome's climate?
Temperature range from -12°C to 15°C, low precipitation
What are your biome's soil conditions?
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Where can your biome be found?
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What is your biome's dominant plant life?
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How are all of the above features and characteristics interrelated?
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Study Notes
Alpine Biome Overview
- The term "alpine" originates from the Latin word "alpes," meaning 'high mountain.'
- Alpine biomes are found in mountain regions globally, usually above 10,000 feet, just below the snow line.
Landscape Characteristics
- Characterized by cold, snowy, and windy conditions; trees cannot grow in this biome.
- Growing season lasts approximately 180 days; night temperatures are consistently below freezing.
- Well-drained soil differs from arctic tundra soil, with distinct light exposure due to high altitude and diminished atmosphere.
- Flora includes tussock grasses, dwarf trees, small-leafed shrubs, and heaths; fauna includes mountain goats, sheep, elk, beetles, grasshoppers, and butterflies.
Climate Details
- Summer temperatures range from 10 to 15° C, while winter temperatures are consistently below freezing, lasting from October to May.
- Precipitation averages around 30 cm annually, with conditions resembling those of both tundra and arctic biomes.
- The alpine and arctic biomes together cover 16% of Earth's surface, characterized by cold and dry climates year-round.
Soil Conditions
- Slow decomposition of organic matter due to cold results in poor soil fertility.
- Alpine plants thrive in sandy and rocky soils, often adapted to dry environments; they require careful watering to avoid over-saturation.
Plant Life Dominance
- Approximately 200 species of alpine plants exist, featuring adaptations to extreme climates.
- Limited carbon dioxide availability at high altitudes challenges photosynthesis; most plants are small, perennial groundcover that grows slowly and remain close to the ground for protection against wind and cold.
Interconnected Features
- Alpine fauna face challenges from cold temperatures and elevated UV exposure due to thinner atmosphere.
- Adaptations in warm-blooded animals include hibernation, migration, and increased fat insulation.
- Shorter limbs and larger lung capacities are common traits among animals to reduce heat loss and cope with lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
- Similar adaptations are seen in humans residing in high-altitude regions, such as the Andes and Himalayas.
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Description
Explore the unique characteristics of the alpine biome with these flashcards. From its name origin to its cold, snowy landscapes, learn about the features that define this high mountain environment. Perfect for anyone studying ecology or geography.
