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TREC Virtual Base Camp _ Ask the Teacher (Tom) or the Scientist (Donie) _ question

Posted by: Amos Sep 13 2005, 05:31 PM

What kind of vegatation is near the Toolik lake?

Posted by: Tom_Crumrine Sep 14 2005, 01:34 AM

The vegetation near Toolik is both sparse and fantastic at the same time. While at a glance it seems like a field of green, when you look closer you see all of the small plants of the tundra. There is a lot of moss. Tussocks are made of sedges that grow slowly and form thick cylinders that have the feel of a bale of straw. A fungus called dead man's fingers pops up in many places. This is a white fungus that actually looks like some bony fingers reaching up through the moist tundra. In drier places there are lichens that are well known as a food source to caribou. In the summer there are lots of flowers. They are very small because it takes a lot of energy to flower but they are also very beautiful.

I hope this helps--please ask again if you would like to know more.

Tom

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