climate
The climate of the Alpine Biome is dependent on the
altitude of the mountain, with a decrease in temperature by 10 every 1000
meters. The temperature ranges between 10 and -12 degrees Celsius, being one of
the coldest biomes in the world.
animal species
There are numerous types of animals in the Alpine Tundra biome, varying depending on the location in the world. For example, on the Andes Mountains in South America alpaca’s can be found, however, on the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia these animals wouldn’t be found.
Plant Species:
With this biome being above the tree line, only various small plants and flowers are able to grow during the short summer. Lichens, mosses, Barrenground Willow and different types of grasses also thrive during this short time. Along with flowers such as Mountain Bluebells and Parry's Primrose, the Rocky Mountain Columbine has adapted to this biome and thrives.
HUMAN-CAUSEd ENVIRONMENTAL THREATs:
There are various threats that humans impose to this environment, the largest being global warming, which effects the climate of the overall biome and a change of animals found in the region. Animals that have adapted to the harsher cold sometimes found aren't able to live there as securely as before, with a new, warmer, environment.
Another large threat to this biome is the creation of ski hills, which impose on the existing animals habitat. Ski resorts take over the homes of these animals and displace them, or cause a danger to them by ski passersby, as well as to the animals themselves. The human caused environmental threats also escalates to the large scale change in the climate, which as that increases the coolness of the biome decreases, creating changes in the animals and plants having to adapt, migrate, or new species entering and altering the surroundings.
Another large threat to this biome is the creation of ski hills, which impose on the existing animals habitat. Ski resorts take over the homes of these animals and displace them, or cause a danger to them by ski passersby, as well as to the animals themselves. The human caused environmental threats also escalates to the large scale change in the climate, which as that increases the coolness of the biome decreases, creating changes in the animals and plants having to adapt, migrate, or new species entering and altering the surroundings.
OTHER HUMAN INFLUENCES ON THE BIOME:
Hunting the animals of the alpine biome has also been a problem in some parts of history, with bears, moose and deer being targeted mostly. The spirit bear, found in Northern BC has a limited population in this region due to over-hunting. Also, foresting in these regions or surrounding regions affects the overall life in the biome, having animals homes being disrupted and taken away as well as plant species not being able to take its natural course and thrive. With most of the population in this region being there during migration season, the animals ability to live is altered by human interaction and our sought out goal to gain.
RELATED SOCIAL ISSUES:
The social issues relating to the alpine biome include the Industrial implications imposed upon the environment, with forestry and logging companies gaining profit off of destroying part of the environment, which could be helped by putting the government in power over the land instead of private companies who don't look out for everyone's interests. Also, by ensuring migration routes of the animals are maintained in their natural state if humans wish to expand, allowing for our disruption to be minimal. These issues effect not only the environment but the future of the world, and everyone in society should care.
RELATED POLITICAL ISSUES:
Political issues would be the government not always taking initiatives to protect the environment, where laws could be implemented to ensure the biome could prosper, or at least maintain natural functions. The government could prevent over settlement in these regions as well, by limiting the human influence on this biome and the sensitivities we create to the species. There is also water pollution in the rivers and lake which could be helped by waste dumping laws that would restrict improper dumping. Overall the political aspect to protecting the alpine biome is essential, where simple issues could be solved easily and more complex issues could be prevented.
bibliography
http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/alpine.htm
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/alpine_climate.htm
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/alpine_animal_page.htm
http://lib.colostate.edu/wildlife/diet.html
http://shelledy.mesa.k12.co.us/staff/computerlab/ColoradoLifeZones_Alpine_Plants.html
http://alpinetundrabiome.weebly.com/environmental-threats.html
https://sites.google.com/a/maine207south.org/alpinetourism/home/environmental-issues
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/alpine_climate.htm
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/alpine_animal_page.htm
http://lib.colostate.edu/wildlife/diet.html
http://shelledy.mesa.k12.co.us/staff/computerlab/ColoradoLifeZones_Alpine_Plants.html
http://alpinetundrabiome.weebly.com/environmental-threats.html
https://sites.google.com/a/maine207south.org/alpinetourism/home/environmental-issues