Overall, the tropical mountains contain more different zones, and their vegetation grows at higher altitudes compared to temperate regions.
There is a snow line at 9000 feet in the temperate mountains, and above it only the permanent snow zone, while this line is found in tropical regions at approximately 4400 meters ( 14900 feet ). Besides, under this line is an alpine meadow which can be seen at 3900 and 2000 meters in tropical and temperate mountains, respectively.
Regarding the remaining categories, the forest of pines and firs occurs at nearly 12000 feet above the alpine meadow; however, the limit for spruce is about 6100 feet in temperate mountains. The same in both regions in the limit height for broadleaf trees, which is located under the forest zone. Below this is a cool zone, which is viable for grain cultivation in tropical mountains and at 1700 meters, while this zone in temperate ones starts at sea level. Finally, above sea level are two extra zones in tropical mountains. A temperate zone is proper for coffee and cocoa plantations, it is above the warm zone, which is suitable for many tropical crops