Biotic descriptors of the alpine biome
In the alpine biome, the dominant vegetation are those which are able to withstand the constant low temperatures, UV radiation, high winds, and low nutrients. This group of plants consists of annual recurring low grasses, wildflowers and a multitude of lichens and mosses which cling to the rocks which litter the alpines. There is practically no tall growing vegetation above a certain point in the alpines called the timber line. By having a lower height, the plants are able to avoid some of the harsh winds which constantly barrage the region.
flora:
Silene acaulis
Xanthoparmelia lavicola
A common lichen
A common lichen
Fauna
The Andean Condor lives among open grasslands as well as alpine regions near open fields where it can easily spot carcasses or prey.
The pika’s habitat is among the alpine fields and mountain sides where it finds rock crevices or burrow to stay warm, give birth, and sleep.
Biodiversity of alpine biome
The biodiversity of the alpine biome is significantly lower compared to other biomes such as the temperate and tropical regions. A major cause of this is the significant difference of nutrients as well as the lower number of populations. Thanks to the challenging environment there are only a few species which have adapted to be able to survive in the alpines.
The NPP of the alpine biome is considerable lower compared to more abundantly populated regions such as rain forests having a much larger number of producers. The GPP is also lower since the lower number of autotrophs produce less biomass as well as