Ecology

Main article: Montane ecology

An alpine mire in the Swiss Alps

The colder climate on mountains affects the plants and animals residing on mountains. A particular
set of plants and animals tend to be adapted to a relatively narrow range of climate. Thus,
ecosystems tend to lie along elevation bands of roughly constant climate. This is called altitudinal
zonation.[29] In regions with dry climates, the tendency of mountains to have higher precipitation as
well as lower temperatures also provides for varying conditions, which enhances zonation. [9][30]
Some plants and animals found in altitudinal zones tend to become isolated since the conditions
above and below a particular zone will be inhospitable and thus constrain their movements
or dispersal. These isolated ecological systems are known as sky islands.[31]
Altitudinal zones tend to follow a typical pattern. At the highest elevations, trees cannot grow, and
whatever life may be present will be of the alpine type, resembling tundra.[30] Just below the tree line,
one may find subalpine forests of needleleaf trees, which can withstand cold, dry conditions.[32] Below
that, montane forests grow. In the temperate portions of the earth, those forests tend to be
needleleaf trees, while in the tropics, they can be broadleaf trees growing in a rain forest.