Yosemite at a Glance: Plants & Animals

Yosemite National Park is an ideal place to explore living systems. Rocky cliffs, forested mountains, grasslands, meadows, lakes, and streams are all found in Yosemite. The elevation varies from 2,000 feet to over 13,000 feet. The different habitats provide for a wide variety of plants and animals.

Geology
Waterfalls

Plants and Animals

Plants adapted to warmer temperatures are found in the foothills of El Portal. Those adapted to cooler temperatures are found in the high country of Tuolumne.

Groups of plants growing together at the same elevation are called communities, and wildlife is often abundant in these communities. It is believed that 31 species of mammals, 247 species of birds, 11 species of fish, and numerous species of invertebrates live in the park.

The amount of sunlight in a natural community is an important factor in plant development. Other factors that influence communities are

• temperature

• precipitation

• humidity

• wind

• soil moisture

The components of habitat (food, shelter, water, and space available) determine the types and number of wildlife able to survive.