Book 20, Question 46
How Did a Famous Explorer Find Out That Plants Live in Bands on Mountains?
A German scientist named Alexander von Humboldt discovered that plants live in bands on mountains! In 1802, he visited the Andes and studied the plants as he went uphill. Then he drew a map of the plants by height.
More fun facts
- Alexander von Humboldt was a famous German explorer and scientist.
- In 1802, he climbed Ecuador's Chimborazo volcano.
- Back then, people thought it was the world's highest mountain.
- He drew a famous picture showing which plants grow at each height.
- His drawing inspired maps of plant bands on mountains around the world.
Sources: Smithsonian Magazine
Questions kids ask
What mountain did Humboldt climb?
Ecuador's Chimborazo volcano, in 1802.