Research /Project Results:Coniferous ForestPage 3 |
Biotic Site Description: Plant DataThey identified Ponderosa pines, Apache pines, white firs and Arizona white oaks. Ponderosa pines were the dominant species. For shrubs, they found velvet ashes, Grand Canyon grapes and manzanita bushes. Velvet ashes were the most important shrubs. For herbs, they found dandelions, ferns and lupines. Dandelions were the dominant herb species.
|
This is a Ponderosa Pine cone. These large cones hold the naked seeds that will grow into new pine trees. These large cones are the female "flowers" of the tree. The male "flowers" are much smaller and less conspicuous. These cones not only hold the seeds for the tree, but they are a prime source of food for various species of squirrel. These come from the tall Ponderosa Pines, which can be seen in the first picture on this field study.
| Most Important Tree | Ponderosa Pine |
| 2nd Most Important Tree | Apache Pine |
| 3rd Most Important Tree | White Fir |
| 4th Most Important Tree | Arizona White Oak |
| Most Important Shrub | Velvet Ash |
| 2nd Most Important Shrub | Grand Canyon Grape |
| 3rd Most Important Shrub | Manzanita |
| Most Important Herb | Dandelion |
| 2nd Most Important Herb | Fern |
| 3rd Most Important Herb | Lupine |
This Manzita plant is the 3rd most important shrub in this ecosystem. Note the herbaceous leaves, again indicative that there is enough ground water that plants that have broad leaves can survive here.
A hidden jewel! Glimpses of secret wonders like this waterfall are what make exploration of our natural ecosystems so rewarding!
Click on the waterfall picture above to return to the 2nd page of this field study, or press the Research tab below to view other biome studies.
Home Join Protocol Enter Data E-pals Research
