The Ecosystem of Mauna Kea’s Summit

Aricia Argyris, Austin McDaniel, Sierra Sena

Alpine Tundra is a biome , or natural region, where trees do not grow due to a high altitude

Alpine Tundra regions are found at the top of mountains around the world

Alpine Tundra

Mauna Kea is one of the Big Islands volcanoes, being the fourth oldest and the fourth most active

Mauna Kea’s summit is above the tree line and consists of mostly lava rock and alpine tundra

Mauna Kea

Extremely cold temperatures Snow during winter Short growing season Above the clouds High winds

Abiotic Environmental Conditions

Due to these conditions very little life is found at the top of Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea’s summit is very empty of plant life, mostly being lava rock and snow

Effects

Survivors

Wekiu bugs are some of the only living things on top of Mauna Kea. They can survive at extreme elevations because of antifreeze found naturally in their blood.They feed on bug carcasses that have been blown up by the wind to the summit, from lower areas. This classifies them as Detritivores , because they eat dead matter, but do not decompose them.