q: What is the most extensive mountain range system in Europe? a: the Alps q: How far do they stretch? a: approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) q: Through how many countries? a: Eight q: How many of them start with S? a: Two q: How many of them start with C? a: 0 q: Is rain consistent in these mountains? a: no q: Is Europe's climate affected by them? a: yes q: What animals live up high? a: ibex q: What plants can you find there? a: Edelweiss q: In what kind of areas does it grow? a: in rocky areas in lower elevations as well as in higher elevations q: How far back do we have proof of humans living there? a: back to the Paleolithic era q: How long did it take for the mountains to form? c: The Alps (/ælps/; Italian: Alpi [ˈalpi]; French: Alpes [alp]; German: Alpen [ˈʔalpm̩]; Slovene: Alpe [ˈáːlpɛ]) are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lies entirely in Europe, stretching approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) across eight Alpine countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland. The Caucasus Mountains are higher, and the Urals longer, but both lie partly in Asia. The mountains were formed over tens of millions of years as the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. Extreme shortening caused by the event resulted in marine sedimentary rocks rising by thrusting and folding into high mountain peaks such as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Mont Blanc spans the French–Italian border, and at 4,810 m (15,781 ft) is the highest mountain in the Alps. The Alpine region area contains about a hundred peaks higher than 4,000 m (13,123 ft), known as the "four-thousanders". 

The altitude and size of the range affects the climate in Europe; in the mountains precipitation levels vary greatly and climatic conditions consist of distinct zones. Wildlife such as ibex live in the higher peaks to elevations of 3,400 m (11,155 ft), and plants such as Edelweiss grow in rocky areas in lower elevations as well as in higher elevations. Evidence of human habitation in the Alps goes back to the Paleolithic era.
over tens of millions of years