Summer Ecology in Palo Duro Canyon

This is a photograph of Biological Crust. Biological Crust is made up of many microbes that excrete a resin to bond to each other. Biological crust is beneficial because it helps prevent soil from being eroded and it helps soil retain water.

This photograph one of my science groups as we begin an ecological survey. What ecological surveys do is try to determine the percent coverage of the different types of plants.

The picture above is one of a small beaver damn. Beaver damns are beneficial because they create new habitats for animals.

The photograph above is of a Juniper that is estimated to be anywhere from 700 to 1000 years old.

The photograph above is one of a Salt Cedar. Salt Cedar is an invasive species of plant that are very harmful to the Texas Panhandle Ecology. Humans can also play a role in ecology and in this case, humans brought in this invasive species.

The photograph above is one of a cliff that has been eroded by weathering, and you can see all the different layers. The environment makes an important part of Ecology.

The photograph above is one of deer tracks. Animals are an important part of Ecology.