Mountain | Alpine Animals
The Alpine biome is a relatively inhospitable biome with its high altitude, low oxygen content, low precipitation levels, and low temperatures ranging from 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4-15.5 degrees Celsius) in the summer and below freezing in the winter. Therefore, alpine animals have adaptations that help them live in these conditions including layers of fat and fur, larger lungs, and shorter tails, legs, and ears.
These adaptations help alpine animals, such as Elk, Sheep, and Alpacas, stay warm and thrive in this difficult climate. The fur, fat, and shorter appendages help the animals to stay insulated and lose less heat, while the larger lungs help them breathe with the thinner atmosphere at the high altitude. Some animals also migrate or hibernate during the winter months.
Animals survive in the mountains by physically having thick fur and wool to protect themselves from extreme temperatures. Mountain animals also typically have hooves that help them climb the slopes of hills. Some Mountain Animals also have large lungs and a heart that help them compensate for the scarcity of oxygen at high altitudes.
The common features and characteristics of mountain animals include having thick fur as well as hard hooves. Mountain animals are also typically larger in size to not lose heat quickly as well as cool down. Animals that frequent this type of environment adapt physically to withstand and thrive within these conditions.
The animals that you can ride on a mountain include donkeys and mules. They are often used to ride on a mountain by humans since they can easily be saddled and ridden in a similar manner to horses. Donkeys and mules are also gentle and steady footed.
