The Himalayas are the world's highest range of mountains. They stretch 2,500 km (1,550 miles) across Asia. The world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest, stands in the midst of the Himalayas. The snow leopard is probably the world's most rare and elusive cat. It lives high on mountains, including those of the Himalayas, far from human... Continue Reading →
Cool Caves
A large cave will take thousands of years to form. From insects to bats, many animals find a cave a good place to live. Caves are often damp, if not wet. Stalactites form drip by drip as minerals are deposited by water dripping from the roof. A stalactite forms from the roof down. Many bats... Continue Reading →
Life in Thin Air
Walk up a mountain and you'll find that the habitat begins to change the higher you go. It also gets harder to breathe. Mountain zones- A temperate mountain (a mountain in a cool part of the world) has distinct zones, each with its own wildlife. Alpine zone: In cool parts of the world, mountain peaks... Continue Reading →
Mountains and Caves
Mountains and caves are rocky habitats. The first offers exposure to all sorts of weather, the second offers shelter - but no sunlight. Earth has some impressive mountain ranges. The map shows the location of some of the best-known of these. Mountains support all sorts of animals. Many, like the mountain lion, have adapted to... Continue Reading →
The Sonoran Desert
North America's Sonoran Desert is enormous. It also receives enough rainfall to support a huge variety of life. The saguaro cactus, widely found in the Sonoran Desert, grows incredibly slowly just 2.5 cm (1 in) a year - but it can reach heights of 15 m (50 ft)! There are few trees in the Sonoran... Continue Reading →
After Dark
Once the Sun sets, a desert changes. Animals move into the open, all busily hunting for something to eat. Scorpions are survivors. They can survive freezing conditions, not eat for a year, and even stay underwater for three days. But they can't stand bright sun. Large ears help this African fox to keep cool in... Continue Reading →