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> Val's question
Tom_Crumrine
post Jun 24 2005, 04:06 AM
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Crum,

My question is: In all of your pictures, the only
actual flower I have seen is the one from your
Atigun
Valley Hike, and it was pretty little. It seems
to me
that with all the sunlight, flowers would be
rampant.
I also haven't seen much discussion of any
precipitation. I suppose this could be one of the
reasons but I'm assuming its much more scientific
than
that.

Have you gotten to the Brooks Range yet or are
they
working you too hard? Hope you are doing well.
Can't
wait to hang out in August!
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Tom_Crumrine
post Jun 24 2005, 04:24 AM
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Group: TREC Team
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Val,

Thanks for the question and for watching the whole 34 minute webinar. Are you sure you didn't fall asleep in a chair during it with a half can of warm soda sitting somewhere nearby?

Flowers,
Yes, there is a ton of light during the summer but the growing season and the time that things can grow is still short. Plants that flower have to stay alive in this environment so they don't have a lot of extra energy to put into flowers. They do what they can. I have seen tons of bumblebees so something must be working.

Another limiter, as you guessed, is that we are actually in an arctic dessert. Although it does snow and it does get really cold there is not much precipitation every year. I read somewhere that there is only 200-300 millimeters of precipitation per year. It tried to rain once while I was here but by the time I got my rain pants on it had stopped.

The more scientific answer is that it is all about energy. Plants in this area are putting all of their energy into staying rooted and alive. That's why there aren't any tall woody plants. Wood is actually an extravagance and not a necessary part of survival. You need to be taller than the other guy but if the other guy is 4 millimeters, then 5 will do. If you want me to bring home a plant physiology textbook for you to read I would be happy to--they are a tad expensive though so let me know smile.gif

I can't wait to see you guys in August too!
Crum
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