Alpine tundra

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/alpine-tundra

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the biome type?Alpine tundra is a high-altitude, treeless biome
2. What is the geographic distribution?Occurs on mountain ranges worldwide, with elevation varying inversely with latitude
3. Why can't trees grow in alpine tundra?The combination of low temperatures, strong winds, a short growing season, and thin soil keeps trees from surviving. These harsh conditions make it easier for small plants to thrive.
4. How do plants survive in alpine tundra?Plants keep warm by staying close to the ground, forming cushion‑like mats that trap heat. Many also grow deep roots to hold onto loose soil and find water.

Biome: A large-scale ecological community characterized by specific climate, vegetation, and fauna.
Adiabatic Cooling: The temperature decrease in an air parcel as it rises and expands due to lower atmospheric pressure.
Treeline: The altitudinal or latitudinal limit beyond which trees cannot grow due to environmental conditions.
Krummholz: Stunted, wind-deformed trees found at the upper limit of the forest-tundra ecotone.