Figure 8.21
Montane forest. (A) Montane forest near Creel, Chihuahua, Mexico. (B) Climate diagram for Creel. Average annual temperatures vary greatly within the montane forest biome depending on elevation and latitude. Average annual precipitation also varies significantly by latitude, with some areas receiving over 250 cm (98 in). As a rule, precipitation is always sufficient to support trees. (C) Montane forest is found in North America from the highlands of Mexico to southern Alaska. Other significant montane forests are found in the Andes in South America, the eastern African highlands, the European Alps, and the mountains of Asia.(A. © Sebastian Rauprich)