In mountainous areas, the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude leads to corresponding change in natural vegetation.Explain.?

Question

Answer

At higher altitudes, the air is thinner. That's why it's harder to breathe at high altitudes--there's less oxygen. There's also less of everything else--carbon dioxide, water vapor, etc. These gases, which are greenhouse gases, are the part of our atmosphere which keep Earth at a warm temperature compared to outer space. Without this atmosphere, Earth would be uninhabitably cold. So, even though higher altitude areas are closer to the sun, they have less ability to absorb the warmth of the sun because they have less of these gases.

Answer

In mountains there is decrease in temperature and increase in pressure due to this there is change in natural vegetation.
At higher altitude there is not proper supply of gasses or we can say the there we can see very less green house effect.

Answer

Introduction:
In mountainous areas, the temperature decreases with increasing altitude due to various factors such as the lapse rate and reduced atmospheric pressure. This decrease in temperature has a significant impact on the natural vegetation found at different altitudes. The change in temperature affects the types of plants and their distribution, leading to distinct vegetation zones in mountainous regions.

Altitude and Temperature:
As you ascend a mountain, the air becomes thinner, and the atmospheric pressure decreases. This decrease in pressure causes the temperature to drop, following a pattern known as the lapse rate. On average, the temperature decreases by approximately 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1,000 meters of elevation gained. This variation in temperature creates different climatic conditions at different altitudes, which in turn influences the vegetation patterns.

Vegetation Zones:
The change in temperature with altitude leads to the formation of distinct vegetation zones in mountainous areas. These zones are characterized by specific types of plants that can tolerate the prevailing temperature and climatic conditions. The main vegetation zones typically found in mountainous regions are:

1. Subtropical Zone: This zone is typically found at the base of the mountain and has a relatively warm climate. It is characterized by lush vegetation, including tropical rainforests, dense vegetation, and diverse plant species.

2. Temperate Zone: As you ascend higher, you enter the temperate zone, where the temperatures are cooler compared to the subtropical zone. This zone is characterized by deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and a mix of broadleaf trees. The plant species found here are adapted to withstand cooler temperatures and shorter growing seasons.

3. Alpine Zone: At even higher altitudes, the temperatures become colder, and the vegetation changes to adapt to these extreme conditions. This zone is known as the alpine zone and is characterized by low-growing plants, shrubs, and grasses. Trees are generally absent or stunted due to the harsh climate and shorter growing seasons.

Adaptation to Temperature:
Plants in mountainous areas have adapted to the temperature changes at different altitudes in various ways. For example:

- Plants in the subtropical zone have broad leaves and large surface areas to maximize photosynthesis and cope with high temperatures and abundant rainfall.
- In the temperate zone, deciduous trees shed their leaves during colder months to conserve energy and reduce water loss. Coniferous trees have needle-like leaves that minimize water loss and allow them to survive in colder climates.
- Alpine plants have developed adaptations to withstand freezing temperatures, strong winds, and limited nutrient availability. They often have small leaves or needle-like structures to minimize water loss and are capable of photosynthesizing at low temperatures.

Conclusion:
In mountainous areas, the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude directly influences the natural vegetation. Different temperature ranges at various altitudes give rise to distinct vegetation zones, each characterized by specific plant adaptations. Understanding these temperature gradients and their impact on vegetation is crucial for studying mountain ecosystems and their ecological dynamics.

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