Hike Lab

Question 1

9 native species of plants

Answer 1

chamise
laurel sumac
black sage
costal sagebrush
prickly pear cactus
yucca
oak woodland
golden currant
western poison oak

Question 2

chamise

Answer 2

-short needle like leaves → less surface area, less stomata, less water loss

Question 3

laurel sumac

Answer 3

-taco shaped leaves → the sunlight hits it at an angle (less sun exposure), collects water from the fog; eventually water drip downs to the roots

-has large tap roots (water storage organs)

Question 4

black sage

Answer 4

-part of the mint family
-strong scent → means it has a lot of oils, which help it retain water

Question 5

costal sagebrush

Answer 5

-strong scent → lots of oils → help retain water

Question 6

prickly pear cactus

Answer 6

-the stems are called paddles → photosynthesize (instead of the leaves) → means less water loss

-the leaves are evolved/modified to be the spins (for protection)

Question 7

yucca

Answer 7

-tough fibrous leaves

-natives used the leaves to make rope, silks, sandals

-adaptation to fire → has natural flame retardants → fire burns it will become black and scorched but still alive

Question 8

oak woodland

Answer 8

-cup shaped leaves → collects water

Question 9

golden currant

Answer 9

-summer deciduous → drop their leaves during the summer when its the hottest (go dormant) → no photosynthesis, no water loss

-edible berries

Question 10

western poison oak

Answer 10

-adaptation to drought → has lots of oils (no scent); specifically urushiol → helpfull in retaining water (slowing down evaporation)

-problem for humans → 85% of humans have an allergic reaction to their oil → break out into a rash in 24-48 hours

-get rid of it with soap and water and a lot of friction

Question 11

Invasive species

Answer 11

fountain grass
pampas grass
stinging nettle
black mustard
tree tobacco

Question 12

local animals (name 3)

Answer 12

red-tailed hawk
crow
raven
deer mouse
rabbit
raccoon
common opossum
striped skunk
mule deer
coyote
bobcat
mountain lion

reptiles
rattle snake
gofer snake
lizards

Question 13

Climate

Answer 13

Mediterranean climate
Summer → hot dry and long
Winters → mild(due to moderating effect on nearby oceans) + some rains (if any)

Question 14

chaparral and fires (benefits)

Answer 14

-clear out dead wood and leaves
-ash from fires = fertilizer for the soil
-increases species diversity
-kills invasive species