Part 1 : Name and describe the ecosystem you wish to protect Alpine ecosystem : Andes mountains South America . Describe where the ecosystem is located ( provide a map ). The Andes Mountains are located in South America , running north to south along the western coast of the continent . The latitude is 10 ° N . to 57 ° S . The longitude is 70 ° W . to 80 ° E .
Describe the functioning of the ecosystem ( animals , plant , biophysical interactions ). The atmospheric conditions of the alpine environment hugely affect the biophysical conditions of the Andes . Because the Southern Andes , like all other alpine ecosystems are subject to harsh winds , freezing temperatures , snow , ice and radiation , vegetation only grows close to the ground , consisting of mainly perennial grasses , sedges and forbs , and does not accommodate the growth of trees . Plants are small in size to conserve energy as well as having stiff leaves to protect them from the harsh winds . Another characteristic of these plants is that they grow from one stem , allowing moisture to run down the leaves into the base of the plants . This feature allows the plant to survive in period of drought . The northern parts of the Andes experience warm and rainy conditions due the the close proximity to the equator . In the very northern tip of the Andes Ecuador experience very different conditions than the rest of the Andes . Because of their close proximity to the equator , conditions are much warmer and wetter which in turn directly affects their biophysical environment .
Explain why this ecosystem needs protection ( refer to linkages , biodiversity , location and / or extent ).