adaptations of the flora and fauna to the alpine conditions
- The fauna of alpine regions have gradually developed adaptations to the harsh conditions presented by such altitudes. Marmots burrow in the rocky fields to escape the cold and violent winds. Mountain goats have developed special padded hooves which help them jump from rock to rock and avoid slipping to a treacherous fall.
- The flora of the mountains have adapted to the lack of pollinators since as the altitude increases, the number of pollinators generally decreases so the challenge arises of keeping the species alive. The flora solve this by relying on asexual reproduction or by changing their flowering times. Alpine plants are also able to withstand the extended lack of water by extending their roots deep into the soil and by reducing the amount of water they lose through through evaporation with a process called CAM photosynthesis.