Alpine Ibex
This animal has multiple structural adaptations which help it to survive, one in particular is its coat. Wooly, dense long hair in the winter, then malts and has a short dense coat in the summer. Long hair helps to maintain their blood temperature and overall body heat during the coldest months, this decreases the likely hood of the ibex perishing from the extreme cold. Once spring arrives, the ibex begins to malt, in time for warmer temperatures. This means the ibex can graze for long periods of time in the sun without suffering from heat exhaustion. Nuthatches This is a small bird, which over time has adapted to have a small body, short tail strong and short legs with long claws on the ends. This makes the bird agile and perfectly suited to living in shubs and in the tree tops, away from predators. The tail, being short makes it very easy for the Nuthatches to easily move up and down trees in search of insects and gives it a competitive edge over the wood pecker and other similar birds. Elderwiss Plant The elderwiss petals, leaves and stalks are all covered in fine but dense hairs, which protect the plant from the extreme weather conditions surrounding its self. This has been developed to helps its survival at very high altitudes, at which it thrives. Also the block ultraviolet rays from the sun and to protect it from sever cold. Arnica Plant The Arnica, has similar characteristics to the Elderwiss, covered in fine 'hairs' which protect it from the harsh climate and allow it to thrive in such a desolate landscape. These hairs give it the ability to withstand extremely high levels of UV and to be able to survive in the shade. The plant has also evolved to have a very deep 'Tap root system', which keeps it sturdy during times of stong winds, which is quite regularly at this high altitude. These adaptations give the Arnica a wide tolerance range, making it easier for the plant to survive. |