Yosemite Valley - Sierra Nevada Lower Montane Forest: 2/16/13

This environment is located near the western edge of the Sierras, & it ranges in elevation from about 1200 - 9000 feet.

Mariposa Manzanita - Although this picture is from Fish Camp, I still saw an abundance of this same plant down in Yosemite valley. It was growing beside oak trees and sandwiched in between boulders. I think it does well with the climate in the region because it is a plant that likes dry summers and wet winters. It is pretty well adapted to possible droughts and/or fire, which can often be a threat to all life living in the Sierras.

Canyon Live Oak - Unlike the black oak, this oak is shorter and appears to be more shrub-like. I think this was probably an adaption the oak made in order to survive/compete in the valley, because there are so many other competitively tall trees in the area.

California Incense Cedar - The Cedar adapts well to the tree heights of other tree species, making it suitable to live cooperatively with all the other fauna in Yosemite valley. The branches on this tree are clothed with flat, dark green needles that can extend to the ground and remain on the tree unless shaded-out by other trees.

Brown-Eyed Wolf Lichen - The existence of lichen itself is already a master of adaption since its survival depends on the symbiotic union of fungus and alga together. One provides the food, the other provides the shelter. Lichens live endlessly and in extreme temperatures, as long as it occasionally has moisture. Due to the recent snow melt in Yosemite valley, I found this lichen popping up everywhere all over branches and rocks.

Sierran Tree-frog - Apparently these frogs have the ability to change colors from brown to green depending on the seasons/environment. As the melting of snow in the valley slowly unveiled a floor of dead brown leaves everywhere, it makes sense that I spotted this frog sporting its brown coat so that it could blend in with its surrounding environment.

Posted on February 19, 2013 11:01 PM by