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Yellowstone National Park is as wondrous as it is complex. Established primarily to protect hydrothermal areas that contain about half the world's active geysers, the park also forms the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. At 28,000 square miles, it is one of the largest, nearly intact temperate-zone ecosystems on Earth. It preserves a great variety of terrestrial, aquatic, and microbial life. Natural processes operate in an ecological context that has been less subject to human alteration than most others throughout the nation—and throughout the world. This makes the park an invaluable natural reserve and reservoir of information. 
Greater Yellowstone EcosystemYellowstone is the heart of one of the largest, nearly intact temperate-zones on Earth. 
Climate ChangeYellowstone's climate is changing. A continued rise in temperature will fundamentally alter the ecosystem. 
GeologyA volcano, geysers and other thermal features, earthquakes, and glaciers shape Yellowstone's landscape. 
WildlifeLearn about the park's abundant and diverse species—67 mammals, 285 birds, 16 fish, 5 amphibians, and 6 reptiles. 
Life in Extreme HeatHydrothermal features are habitats for microscopic organisms called thermophiles: "thermo" for heat, "phile" for lover. ResourcesThere is a lot going on in Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Different organizations, government agencies, and National Park Service offices provide additional information about various natural resource topics within the park and the surrounding ecosystem. 
Yellowstone ScienceYellowstone Science shares in-depth, science-based knowledge about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 
Yellowstone Center for ResourcesScientific efforts underway in Yellowstone National Park. 
Learn About the ParkYellowstone is as wondrous as it is complex. The park is at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where nature and culture abound. |
Last updated: April 24, 2023