Why does mountain vegetation differ with height?

Mountain vegetation varies with height due to changes in temperature, precipitation, and soil conditions as elevation increases. These factors create different habitats for various plant species, leading to distinct vegetation zones at different altitudes.

What is the difference observed?

1. Temperature:
- As altitude increases, the temperature decreases. This change in temperature affects the types of plants that can survive at higher elevations.
- Lower altitude regions have a warmer climate, supporting tropical and subtropical vegetation, while higher altitudes have cooler temperatures, favoring alpine and tundra vegetation.

2. Precipitation:
- Precipitation patterns also change with altitude, influencing the availability of water for plants.
- Lower altitude regions typically receive more rainfall, supporting lush forests, while higher altitudes may have less precipitation, leading to sparse vegetation.

3. Soil Conditions:
- Soil composition and fertility vary with altitude, affecting plant growth and distribution.
- Lower altitude regions often have fertile soil, conducive to the growth of a wide variety of plants, while higher altitudes may have rocky or less fertile soil, limiting the types of vegetation that can thrive.

4. Vegetation Zones:
- The combination of temperature, precipitation, and soil conditions at different altitudes creates distinct vegetation zones in mountainous regions.
- These zones include tropical forests at lower elevations, temperate forests at mid-altitudes, and alpine or tundra vegetation at higher elevations.

In conclusion, mountain vegetation differs with height due to changes in temperature, precipitation, and soil conditions, leading to the formation of different vegetation zones at various altitudes.