Alpine Complex 



An area of severe environmental conditions, the alpine complex is gen- 

 erally found at elevations in excess of 10,000 feet in Yellowstone and Grand 

 Teton. Extensive areas, particularly in the Tetons, consist of open cliffs 

 and talus slopes. Vegetation at this elevation is confined to sedges, grasses, 

 heaths, and dwarfed, ground-hugging shrubs and trees. In wetter areas the 

 vegetation consists of alpine meadows, while drier windswept ridges are 

 covered with mat-forming plants. In Yellowstone alpine areas are located 

 in the higher regions of the Gallatin and Absaroka Ranges. 



Characteristic Birds of Alpine Complex: 



golden eagle, horned lark, common raven, Clark's nutcracker, water 

 pipit, black rosy finch, white-crowned sparrow. 



12 



