Question

why does one side of a mountain get more precipitation (rain) than the other? (think about how air and water vapor behave)
true or false: both sides of a mountain range have the same climate and species richness.
□ true □ false

Explanation:

When moist air approaches a mountain, it is forced to rise. As it rises, it cools and the water - vapor condenses, leading to precipitation on the wind - ward side. The leeward side gets less precipitation as the air has already released much of its moisture. This difference in precipitation leads to different climates and species richness on either side of a mountain range.

Answer:

1. One side of a mountain gets more precipitation because when moist air is forced to rise over the mountain, it cools and water - vapor condenses, forming rain on the wind - ward side.
2. False. The different precipitation levels on either side of a mountain range create different climates, which in turn support different levels of species richness.