Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 8.10 Temperature differences within a grassy tussock ( Festuca pilgeri ) in the alpine zone at
4,000 m (13,500 ft) on Mount Kenya, East Africa. Temperatures at the periphery of the tussock
display much greater fluctuations than those within, indicating the more favorable microhabitat
conditions within the tussock. (After Coe 1969: 115.)
The period of reproduction is of greatest interest and importance, since it is critical
to the continuation of the species and is also a period of great vulnerability. The major
problems for reproduction in high mountains are the same as those for other functions:
brevity of the growing season and lack of food, contributing to severity of the environ-
ment. A number of adjustments are made in order to cope with these conditions. Migrat-
ory birds often arrive already paired, eliminating the need to spend time in courtship;
others reduce the period of courtship (Hoffmann 1974). They arrive as early as possible
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