Question

Differences between mountain plants and plain plants

Answer 1

The mountains can be a barrier to both plants and animals due to rapidly changing ecosystems, harsh climates, scarce food and treacherous climbing. For this reason, either side of any given mountain range can be home to entirely different plant and animal species. However, plants and animals that do reside in the mountains have adapted in many ways to survive in harsh conditions. The most significant adaptations of plants and animals are seen at higher elevations, as these areas offer the most extreme conditions.

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Adaptations of Plants & Animals to Mountains

By Casandra Maier; Updated April 24, 2018



The mountains can be a barrier to both plants and animals due to rapidly changing ecosystems, harsh climates, scarce food and treacherous climbing. For this reason, either side of any given mountain range can be home to entirely different plant and animal species. However, plants and animals that do reside in the mountains have adapted in many ways to survive in harsh conditions. The most significant adaptations of plants and animals are seen at higher elevations, as these areas offer the most extreme conditions.

Low Growth

Trees begin to thin as you travel higher in the mountain biome. Tree cannot grow at higher elevations due to harsh winds and extreme climates. The area at which trees cease to grow in the mountain range is known as the timberline. Plants that can survive above 3,000 feet include sparse grasses and alpine perennials, which have adapted to extreme cold and heat, strong sun, heavy winds and fluctuations between arid and damp condition. These plants grow very low to the ground, allowing them to stay below the snow pack in winter months so they are not pelted with ice and snow.