Book 20, Question 139
Why Is Alpine Tundra So Easily Damaged?
Alpine tundra is easily damaged because the plants grow very slowly. Summers are short, and the soils are thin and rocky. A trampled plant can take years, even decades, to recover.
More fun facts
- Alpine tundra grows high up where it's cold.
- Winters are long and the growing season is short.
- Alpine plants are short, and many have leaves that resist frost.
- It can take hundreds of years for tundra to recover from small damage.
- Elk visit the tundra in summer to keep cool and eat.
Sources: National Park Service, National Park Service
Questions kids ask
How long does tundra take to heal?
It can take hundreds of years to recover from small damage.