Mountains and Plains

The Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the intermountain basins in Wyoming and adjacent states contain a rich diversity of plant and animal life that has long captured the interest of outdoor enthusiasts, scientists, and natural resource managers. This book by an eminent ecologist presents in word and photograph the ecology of this beautiful area. Dennis H. Knight begins by introducing the diverse environments in the region and their geologic history. He then discusses the landscapes along streams and rivers, the lowland plains and basins, the foothills and mountains, and three regions of special interest-Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. He concludes by explaining land use constraints and opportunities in the region. Throughout the book, Knight considers plant ecology, plant-animal interactions, geologic influences, nutrient cycling, land management, and disturbances such as fires and insect epidemics. Over 150 photographs, maps, and line drawings illustrate ecological processes and landscape patterns. A remarkable synthesis of information on land management, ecosystem science, and plant and animal adaptation, the book will be of interest to naturalists as well as to ecologists and professional land managers.