The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Terrestrial Ecosystem

1. Diana Grace D. MS Environmental Studies Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – NLUC Subject: Terrestrial Ecosystems The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Template from: http://www.free-powerpoint-templates-design.com

2. jagged peaks, vast tundra, lush forests, raging rivers, wild valleys, spewing geysers, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes  FIRE AND ICE Sources: https://www.cyclegreateryellowstone.com/ecosystem/ https://www.visitbigsky.com/blog/what-is-the-greater-yellowstone-ecosystem/

3. Quick Facts Found in North America with an area of 12-22 million acres or 89,030,841,292 sqm , established in 1872 Encompasses three (3) state lands: WYOMING, MONTANA, and IDAHO Two (2) National Parks: YELLOWSTONE and GRAND TETON Managed by state, federal, and tribal government, and private individuals Space and Ownership 01 The Yellowstone National Park is the core of GYE. (2.2mi acres) Most of the park is above 7,500 feet (2,286m) in elevation and underlain by volcanic bedrock. Heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) 02 The land formation of Yellowstone plateau was believed to be a result of uplift due to hotspot volcanism and glaciation. Some part of the park were carved by glaciers. Volcanism and Glacial Activity 03 Management Challenges 04 References:   https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ And Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook

4. Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the last remaining large, nearly intact  ecosystems in the northern  temperate zone of the Earth It is located within the northern Rocky Mountains, in areas of northwestern  Wyoming , southwestern  Montana , and eastern  Idaho Reference: https ://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Yellowstone_Ecosystem A CLOSER LOOK…

5. T H R E E S T A T E S MONTANA DMS LAT: 46 ° 57' 54.9360'' N DMS LONG: 109 ° 32' 1.2876'' W WYOMING IDAHO DMS LAT. 44 ° 4' 5.5308'' N DMS LONG: 114 ° 44' 31.3548'' W Major Biomes: Forest, Wetland, Desert, Grassland References: https:// www.latlong.net/place/wyoming-usa-1940.html https:// www.latlong.net/place/montana-usa-6301.html https://www.latlong.net/search.php?keyword=idaho Major Biomes: Forest, Grassland, Alpine (Rocky Mountains) DMS LAT. 43 ° 4' 33.4920'' N DMS LONG: 109 ° 32' 1.2876'' W Major Biomes: Desert, S hrublands

6. BIOMES YELL OWST ONE Photo Reference: wegefoundation.com GRA ND TE TON

7. BIOMES YELL OWST ONE Photo Reference: wegefoundation.com GRA ND TE TON

8. Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ Classified as part of the biome: TAIGA or also called CONIFEROUS FOREST OR BOREAL FOREST Because of its size and location, it can share part of other biomes such as Northern Temperate Coniferous Forest and Grassland prairies The Taiga biome is located at what we might call the top of the world, just below the Tundra Winters are long (6 month) and dominated by very cold weather with lots of snow throughout the winter; temperatures range from -65° to 30° Fahrenheit. Summers are warm with humidity and rain. The Taiga biome doesn't really experience the seasons of autumn and spring because they are so short-lived. The majority of plants are coniferous (evergreen) trees, although there are some lichens and moss. Deciduous trees can be found in some pockets of Taiga biomes. Temperate  coniferous forests are found predominantly in areas with warm summers and cool winters, and vary in their kinds of plant life. In some, needle leaf trees dominate, while others are home primarily to  broadleaf evergreen trees or a mix of both tree types Temperate grasslands lack the  scattered trees that are characteristic of savannas. Temperate grasslands have distinct hot and cold seasons and a moderate amount of  precipitation  in the late spring and early summer

9. Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ Wind:  Where Yellowstone is for the most part directly in the centre of the Rocky Mountains, it enjoys more rainfall and wetter, cooler western winds. However some of Yellowstone lies on the eastern downhill slope of the Rockies, where it experiences a 'phenomenon' called the Chinook winds.  Light (insolation):  Yellowstone experiences insolation levels ranging from 1.33 to 6.24 kWh/m^2/day (kilowatt-hours per square meter per day) on average per month. Solar radiation is lowest during the winter months of October, November, December January and February, and reach their peak in June and July, the strongest summer months.  ATMOSPHERINC FEATURES :

10. Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ ATMOSPHERINC FEATURES : Humidity:  Yellowstone has a low relative humidity. Where there is low elevation, the temperatures usually increase, which increases evaporation levels. However, particularly in summer, but also in the winter months, when it is colder, evaporation levels decrease and humidity can rise to 40-45% Precipitation:  Precipitation is relatively low-moderate in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with an average annual rainfall of 15.4 inches and an annual snowfall of 72.1 inches. Rainfall in Yellowstone varies in the forms of rain, snow and dew. Rain tends to fall at higher rates in the Spring and Summer , where as in winter, water is distributed via snow. Temperature:  Due to Yellowstone's varied altitude levels from between 1,610 and 3,642 meters, temperature and weather conditions vary . For example, the lower altitude regions and grasslands can climb to even 30 degrees celsius in the summer, but remain at maximum 25 degrees further up the mountains, whereas temperatures can fall to below -20 degrees celsius in the higher winter season.

11. Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ WATER FEATURES : FRESH WATER Yellowstone Lake – largest high elevation lake (above 7,000) in the Northern Hemisphere AREA: 70,100 sqm Nutrients: (milligram per liter) Dissolved Ammonia: >0.00 and 0.18   Dissolved Nitrate: 0.0 and 0.0 Total Nitrogen: 0.05 and 30.0 Dissolved Phosphorus: 0.002 and 0.05 Total Phosphorus: >0.002 and 19.0 Dissolved Organic Carbon: 0.25 and 15.25 PH:  Across numerous off runs from Yellowstone Lake, ( including outliers/extremes) across the 10 rivers surveyed, a pH range from 7.2 to 8.9 was recorded, indicating a low-moderate alkaline solution.  Temperature:  The recorded temperatures across the same 10 rivers as surveyed, ranged from below 0 degrees to 28 degrees celsius . 

12. Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ Photo from: http ://www.uvm.edu/~dross/ SOIL FEATURES: Nutrients:  Yellowstone, characteristic of a taiga biome, has typically nutrient-poor soil . Due to decomposers taking longer to decompose the needles on the forest floor, nutrients is often restored more efficiently with natural fires.  Fire:  Fires are an extremely significant factor for the forest, especially in Yellowstone. It rejuvenate forests on a grand scale. Composition:  Soil in the taiga biome is called spodosol .  Spodosol soil is described as typically having layers of organic topsoil with a leached grey subsoil and an iron-rich clay/loam layer below.  Temperature :  On average annually, between 6 and 8 degrees celsius , and less than 8 degrees in the summer .

13. Yellowstone National Park Video Ref.: https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgt2C97ztq8 HYDROTHERMAL FEATURES:

14. DETR I T I VORES Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ Detritivores are heterotrophs that break down and digest dead matter to obtain their nutrients. They can include invertebrates, vertebrates, fungi and plants. 

15. Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ DECOMPOSERS Decomposers are heterotrophs that breakdown dead or decaying matter but differ from detritivores in that they do not internally digest the matter but rather use chemical reactions . psilocybe merdaria pilobolus g iant western puff ball

16. The Engelmann spruce is often found along creeks or wet areas and has sharp, square needles that grow singly. It's cones hang down and remain intact, with no bract between scales. The trees can grow to up to 100ft tall. Engelmann Spruce ( Picea engelmannii ):  It has very thin bark, which accounts for its susceptibility to being killed in fires. Its needles are in groups of two, and the tree can grow to 75ft tall. Lodgepole Pine ( Pinus contorta ): The Rocky Mountain Juniper is a species of Juniper that varies in size from a small tree to a shrub, and grows in lower elevations. It has scale-like needles and it's cones are small and fleshy. Grows up to 30ft tall.  Rocky Mountain Juniper ( Juniperus scopulorum ): It has needles that grow in groups of five, reduces erosion, retains snow, acts as a nurse plant for other species, and grows seeds particularly important for the diets of grizzly bears. It grows to up to 75ft tall. Whitebark Pine The Douglas-Fir has thick grey/brown bark which prevents damage from low-intensity fires and has cones that hang down and remain intact, with three-pronged bract between scales. It grows to up to 100 feet tall Douglas-Fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) PLANTS Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ Photo Ref.: www.for.gov.bc.ca http ://schumachersnursery.com/nurserystock/juniper-rocky-mountain/

17. Bark/pine beetles are serious pests in Yellowstone and surrounding evergreen areas. Bark Beetles Caterpillars take up to two years to develop at higher elevations and less time lower. Their habitat includes open, moist conifer forests; moist meadows and streamsides . Yellowstone Checkerspot Butterfly ( Euphydryas gillettii ) Budworms are serious parasites to conifers and have caused much devastation to Douglas Fir populations in Yellowstone as well as other conifer species. Spruce Budworm Millions of army cutworm moths migrate to high, cool alpine areas and take up residence on talus slopes. Grizzly bears  feast on the moths in the later weeks of summer. Army Cutworm Moths ( Euxoa auxiliaris ) Ladybird beetles often congregate in the alpine areas during summer and become snacks for grizzly bears who know their routine all too well. Ladybird Beetles INSECTS Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/

18. It is preyed upon by various animals such as lynx, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, hawks, owls and weasels. Their niche are coniferous forests with dense under-stories of shrubs, only leaving the forest cover to feed in forest openings. Snowshoe Hare ( Lepus americanus ) . It prefers shrub communities and forest openings. While it eats primarily plant material including seeds and fruit, conifer seeds and some insects, it is preyed on by grizzly bears, various hawks, and probably foxes and coyotes. Least Chipmunk ( Tamius minimus ) Elk comprise 90% of all wolf kills and are extremely important in providing food for grizzly bears, mountain lions and at least a dozen other scavenger animals. Elk feed on grasses, sedges, other herbs and shrubs, the bark of aspen trees, conifer needles, burned bark and aquatic plants. Yellowstone Elk Bighorn sheep have two layers of upper skull as an adaptation for smashing their heads together when fighting, and both males and females have horns. Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep In summer they can be found on the grasslands and in winter in hydrothermal areas. Bison feed primarily on grasses and shrubs. They have large, strong necks and heads which enable them to rummage through and push away snow when feeding, unlike other ungulates which use their feet. Yellowstone Bison ANIMALS Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/

19. Grizzlies primarily feed upon rodents, cutthroat trout, insects, elk calves, large mammals, roots, pine nuts and grasses. They are considered super hibernators. Grizzly Bears Wolves in Yellowstone are significant predators and are detrimental to the community balance. They prey primarily upon hoofed mammals, with elk making up 90% of their kills.  Wolves The wolverine is a medium sized predator of the weasel family. The are found in high elevations of boreal forest and alpine tundra. There are only around half a dozen wolverines on record within Yellowstone Wolverine The mountain lion is one of the largest big cats in North America. They primarily hunt elk and mule deer but also prey on small mammals.  Mountain Lions ( cougars) The Lynx, its population scattered and few in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, is as of 2000, on the threatened species list. The lynx has grey-brown fur with tufted ears, a short tail and longer hind-legs than front.  Lynx ANIMALS, cont... Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/

20. Grand Teton is located in Wyoming. The Grand Teton Mountains, are actually glaciers. There are marshes, wetlands, and swamps all over Grand Teton National Park. The mountain streams at Grand Teton National Park create this habitat and living space for the animals that live in it . Grand Teton National Park Ref.: http:// 666942859131618720.weebly.com/biomes.html , https:// www.nps.gov/grte/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm Other Biomes: CONIFEROUS FOREST WETLANDS While the Teton Range dominates the landscape, it is the interplay of mountains, faults, glaciers, forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and geologic features that create the overal grandeur of Grand Teton National Park. Taken individually, each feature is fascinating and worthy of protection, but when combined as they are in Grand Teton, they create a mosaic that is inspiring beyond compare.

21. Often mistaken for its cousin the sunflower . Deer and elk feed on the plant's tender shoots. Arrowleaf balsam root Known as a cushion plant for the way it grows in soft mats high in the alpine zone. Its tiny, bright-blue blossoms earned its distinction as the official flower of Grand Teton National Park Alpine forget-me-not Have pretty blue flowers atop an 18-inch-high stalk. Its edible roots were once gathered for food by Americans Indians in the area. Blue camas blooms in June throughout the wetlands east of Jackson Lake. Blue camas Pokes its little pink blossoms out of some of the toughest growing conditions in the park, high on the rocky mountainsides. Longleaf Phlox A gray-green shrub, covers the valley floor of Jackson Hole. It may grow as much as five feet tall and its trunk can reach three inches in diameter. Big sagebrush PLANTS Grand Teton National Park

22. A typical adult male moose weighs 1,000 pounds and is most easily recognizable by a pendulous muzzle and fleshy dewlap that hangs beneath its neck like a bell Moose Looking like lanky shepherd dogs with grizzled, gray-brown coats, coyotes make their homes in burrows and caves. Coyote pups are considered a delicacy by great horned owls, eagles, mountain lions, and bears. Cayote Bald eagles are most recognizable by a striking white head, tail feathers, and wingspans up to 7 feet. Bal Eagle The golden eagle goes after small mammals, such as jack rabbits and prairie dogs. They hunt in open country; sometimes you’ll find one feeding on roadkill. Golden Eagle Their most distinguishing characteristics are their huge ears and a black tip on their tail that contrasts with their white rump. When they run, they bounce, with all four legs in the air. Mule Deer ANIMALS Grand Teton National Park

23. Aspen Trees P R O D U C E R S Big Sage Bearded Wheatgrass Tufted Hairgrass Gray Willow Bluegrass Pond Algae Beaver Elk Bison Deer Mouse Snowshoe Hare Mayfly Harlequin Duck Cutthroat Trout CAYOTE BALD EAGLE RED FOX GRIZZLY BEARS GOLD EAGLE GRAY WOLF P R I M A R Y C O N S U M E R S S E C O N D A R Y C O N S U M E R S T E R T I A R Y C O N S U M E R S

24. Average winter highs are –6 to -1C; average lows are (-17 to -13C). *YELLOWSTONE RESOURCE HAND BOOK ADAPTATIONS BEHAVIORAL Example: DEER MICE huddle together to stay warm DEER, ELK, and BISON sometimes follow each other through deep snow to save energy ASPEN and COTTONWOODS contain chlorophyll in their bark, enabling them to photosynthesize before they produce leaves MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL Example: SNOWSHOE HARES, WHITE-TAILED JACKRABBITS, LONG AND SHORT-TAILED WEASEL turn white for winter LYNX grow additional fur between their toes to give them effectively larger feet. BIOCHEMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL Example: CHIKADEES drops their body temperature at night from 42C to 31C, which lessens the sharp gradient between temperature of their bodies and external temperature. CHORUS FROGS tolerate freezing and go into a heart-stopped dormancy for winter in leaf litter or under woody debris

25. LOSS OF HABITAT If the temperature continues to increase, WOLVERINE, LYNX, AND PIKAS may lose habitat in the Yellowstone TREES Rise in temperature allows MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLES and BLISTERS to thrive and in doing so DESTROY THE TREE’S POPULATION (Specially the Whitebark Pine Tree) GRIZZLY BEARS With the Whitebark pine seriously reducing in numbers, being added to the endangered species list, grizzlies are forced to move down the mountain, where they have more encounters with humans and are killed. Impact of Climate Change Effects are evident in Yellowstone and has become measurable. Warmer temperatures are accelerating the melting of mountain glaciers, reducing snowpack, and changing the timing, temperature, and amount of streamflow. Wildfire seasons may expand and increased in severity, frequency, and size. Source: Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook, 2017 Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/

26. Yellowstone National Park https://bckbiologysfifield.weebly.com/ The Greater Yellowstone Management is dedicated to reduce their carbon footprint through energy efficient practices and integrating climate-friendly practices into administration, planning, and workforce culture. MITIGATION Source: Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook, 2017 THE GREEN PARKS PLAN Defines a collective vison and strategic plan for sustainable operations Continually improve Environmental Performance Be Climate Friendly and Climate Ready Be Energy Smart Be Water Wise Green the rides Buy Green and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Preserve Outdoor Values Adopt Best Practices Foster Sustainability beyond boundaries

27. Yellowstone National Park Video Ref.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-HrtW8FsC4 GREENING OF CONCESSIONS

28. Local, State, and Federal Agencies across the GYE make efforts to coordinate the management of Public Land and Cross-Boundary Issues. BEYOND BOUNDARIES Should the bison roam free? BUFFALO CONFLICT ENGAGEMENTS Source: Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook, 2017 and NPS Series of Trophic Cascade Grazing and Migration WOLF REINTRODUCTION Picture shows: 1 st Golden Eagle died due to lead poisoning likely after consuming bullet fragments while scavenging the remains of an animal killed by a hunter. GOLDEN EAGLE (April 16, 2019)