system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How do some mountains have an ecosystem around the peak? Wouldn't the nutrients from the soil of any wash down and make it difficult?
gpt
"Life, uh, life finds a way"

Extremophile bacteria can find ways to make energy/nutrients out of basically anything that'll react, and lichen can survive on nothing more than air, water, sun, and minerals in the stone They can create soil conditions in pockets or depressions (where nutrients don't wash out) suitable for alpine plants and insects. Once plants get established, their roots can help hold soil in place and prevent nutrient leaching.