Yosemite Nature Notes 21: Snow Plants

The video explores the snow plant in Yosemite National Park, a unique scarlet red plant that blooms in spring. It describes the plant's striking appearance and its parasitic nature, as it derives nutrients from fungi in the soil. The snow plant is part of the Heather and Orchid families, known for their parasitic lifestyles. Despite not contributing to biodiversity, snow plants play a role in the ecosystem by providing nectar for hummingbirds. The video encourages viewers to explore these plants during May and June under conifer forests.

What is the distinctive color of the snow plant found in Yosemite?

• Blue

• Scarlet Red

• Green

• White

How does the snow plant obtain its nutrients?

• From the air

• By parasitizing fungi

• By absorbing sunlight

• Through photosynthesis

Which plant families have adopted a parasitic lifestyle similar to the snow plant?

• Rose and Lily families

• Heather and Orchid families

• Pine and Oak families

• Cactus and Fern families

What evolutionary strategy does the snow plant use to survive in its environment?

• Photosynthesis

• Parasitism

• Carnivory

• Symbiosis

What role do snow plants play in the biodiversity of the forest?

• They increase biodiversity

• They provide food for all animals

• They have no significant role

• They decrease biodiversity

Which animal is particularly attracted to the snow plant during its blooming season?

• Deer

• Bees

• Hummingbirds

• Butterflies

During which months is the snow plant most visible in the Sierra Nevada?

• July and August

• May and June

• March and April

• January and February