Diversity

There is a reason that this expedition is titled "Mapping Change in California's Mountains." You might have wondered about this. Why are they collecting all these plants, pressing them and cataloguing them? One reason for the data collection is for comparison. A scientist is able to compare data from thirty years ago and today to answer some questions about change. Some of these questions might be, which plants are no longer in the area and which new plants might have been introduced to the area. There are reasons why certain plants are no longer in the area. It could be some kind of change such as loss of habitat (place to live) as a result of development (houses and businesses being built). If there are new plants in the area, the data can help answer why these plants got here. It could be that these new plants came into the area and wiped out the ones that could not compete with them.

Finally, I titled today's entry "Diversity" for a reason. Although I told you that I was going to be in the desert, the mountains around here have different plants and climate. Today we climbed about 5,800 feet above sea level in the San Jacinto Mountains. That is almost a mile. It was misty, wet and cold. It made me realize that we are lucky to live in California because of the diversity of the state's landscape. It is possible to travel ten and twenty miles and encounter a very different environment. I encourage you to explore our state now and the future, if you get the opportunity.

The assignment for today is for you to prepare questions and comments that you have for me when I talk with you tomorrow, "Live From the Field".