Mountain Ecosystems

Mountains are home to many different ecosystems stacked on top of each other. As you climb higher, the temperature drops and the air gets thinner. Different plants and animals live at different heights. Mountain ecosystems are found on every continent.

Life at Different Heights

At the base of a mountain, you might find thick forests. Higher up, the trees get smaller and eventually stop growing. This point is called the tree line. Above it, only small, tough plants like mosses and wildflowers can survive. At the very top, there may be nothing but snow and rock.

Mountains and Water

Mountains are often called water towers because they collect rain and snow. When the snow melts, it flows down as rivers and streams. More than half of the world's fresh water starts in the mountains. Many cities far from the mountains depend on this water for drinking and farming.

Fun Facts

• The Himalayas are still growing about half an inch taller each year!
• Snow leopards have wide, furry paws that work like snowshoes in the mountains.
• More than half of the world's fresh water comes from mountain areas.

Did You Know?

At the top of Mount Everest, there is only about one-third as much oxygen in the air as at sea level!