destroyed the underlying tundra from which the plant life cannot recover during the non-skiing months, whereas areas that still practice a natural piste type of ski slope building preserve the fragile underlayers. Fauna The Alps are a habitat for 30,000 species of wildlife, ranging from the tiniest snow fleas to brown bears, many of which have made adaptations to the harsh cold conditions and high altitudes to the point that some only survive in specific micro-climates either directly above or below the snow line. The largest mammal to live in the highest altitudes are the alpine ibex, which have been sighted as high as . The ibex live in caves and descend to eat the succulent alpine grasses. Classified as antelopes, chamois are smaller than ibex and found throughout the Alps, living above the tree line and are common in the entire alpine range. Areas of the eastern Alps are still home to brown bears. In Switzerland the canton of Bern was named for the bears but the last bear is recorded as having been killed in 1792 above Kleine Scheidegg by three hunters from Grindelwald. Many rodents such as voles live underground. Marmots live almost exclusively above the tree line as high as . They hibernate in large groups to provide warmth, and can be found in all areas of the Alps, in large colonies they build beneath the alpine pastures. Golden eagles and bearded vultures are the largest birds to be found in the Alps; they nest high on rocky ledges and can be found at altitudes of . The most common bird is the alpine chough which can be found scavenging at climber's huts or the Jungfraujoch, a high-altitude tourist destination. Reptiles such as adders and vipers live up to the snow line; because they cannot bear the cold temperatures they hibernate underground and soak up the warmth on rocky ledges. The high-altitude Alpine salamanders have adapted to living above the snow line by giving birth to fully developed young rather than laying eggs. Brown trout can be found in the streams up to the snow line. Molluscs such as the wood snail live up the snow line. Popularly gathered as food, the snails are now protected. Several species of moths live in the Alps, some of which are believed to have evolved in the same habitat up to 120 million years ago, long before the Alps
{
        'QUESTION: What types of plants grow in the Alps?': 'ANSWER: The Alps support various plant life including hardy alpine flowers.',
        'QUESTION: How do fauna in the Alps adapt to the harsh environment?': 'ANSWER: Many animals, such as the alpine ibex and golden eagle, have adapted to the extreme conditions by surviving in specific micro-climates or by making physical adaptations.',
        'QUESTION: Which animal is known as the largest mammal in the highest parts of the Alps?': 'ANSWER: The alpine ibex is considered the largest mammal in the highest regions of the Alps.',
        'QUESTION: Can you tell me more about the chamois?': 'ANSWER: Chamois are small antelope-like creatures that inhabit the Alps. They are often found above the treeline and are quite common across the region.',
        'QUESTION: Do brown bears still exist in the Alps today?': 'ANSWER: Yes, there are still populations of brown bears in certain areas of the Eastern Alps.',
        'QUESTION: Where do marmots typically reside within the Alps?': 'ANSWER: Marmots primarily dwell above the treeline and can be found in large colonies beneath alpine pastures.',
        'QUESTION: What role do golden eagles play in the ecosystem of the Alps?': 'ANSWER: Golden eagles are one of the largest birds found in the Alps. They hunt for prey and contribute to maintaining balance within their ecosystem.',
        'QUESTION: Why are wood snails protected in the Alps?': 'ANSWER: Wood snails are protected due to them being popularly gathered as food. However, their population has decreased over time, leading to conservation efforts.',
        'QUESTION: What type of moths are unique to the Alps?': 'ANSWER: Some species of moths found in the Alps are thought to have evolved in the same habitat around 120 million years ago, predating the formation of the mountain range itself.',
        'QUESTION: How do reptiles like adders and vipers survive in the Alps?': 'ANSWER: Adders and vipers cannot tolerate the cold temperatures in the Alps, so they hibernate underground and warm themselves on rocky surfaces when needed.'
    }