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Biome

Alpine

Also Known As Alpine Tundra
Desert and Tundra Biomes
Alpine

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)
300 1
Representative average for alpine tundra generally; local precipitation varies substantially by mountain range and elevation.
Typical Low Temperature (C)
-18 1
Typical High Temperature (C)
15 2
Alpine
Filter Results1 entry

Hibernation

Alpine
Connections

Demonstrates

Hibernation, Natural Phenomena

Marmots and other alpine mammals hibernate through the long, harsh winter above the tree line.

Source Alpine Biome (Blue Planet Biomes)

Home To

Guanaco, Species
Source Guanaco (Wikipedia)
Vicuña, Species
Source Vicuña (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Tundra Biome (Global Bioenergy)
Global Bioenergy
  • Alpine Tundra Climate section
    Winters are less severe than in the Arctic, with lows rarely dipping below -18 C (0 F).
  • 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 Biomes
  • Alpine Biome page
    In the summer average temperatures range from 10 to 15 C.
  • In Category: Biomes, blueplanetbiomes.org/alpine.php, opening lines
    Cold, snowy, windy. When you hear those words they make you think of mountains.
  • Demonstrates: Hibernation, blueplanetbiomes.org/alpine.php, animal adaptations section
    Alpine animals adapt to the cold by hibernating, migrating to lower, warmer areas, or insulating their bodies with layers of fat.
View the Source
Guanaco (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHome To: GuanacoView the Source
Vicuña (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHome To: Vicuña, Distribution section
Quote, Home To: Vicuña, Distribution section
Vicuñas live at altitudes of 3,200 to 4,800 m (10,500-15,700 ft)
View the Source

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