what is the most common native plant in Idaho?
Big sagebrush
what is the most common invasive species in the sage brush steppe?
cheat grass
what are the most common species in the sagebrush steppe?
pygmy rabbits, sage grouse, sagebrush lizards.
what makes sagebrush burn so quickly?
Sagebrush is highly flammable because it contains volatile oils
What were the biggest fires in Idaho history?
Great Fire of 1910
what plant provides the food source for animals through the winter?
winter fat
what invasive species become tumble weed to spread its seeds?
Russian thistle
What eats sagebrush steppe?
Several specialized herbivores, insects, and mammals
The three factors required for a fire to start and burn are?
heat, fuel, and oxygen
Is the song "Cold Missouri Waters" based on a true story?
Yes, "Cold Missouri Waters" is based on a true story
how many native plant species are there in Idaho?
around 2,700 plants
how does invasive species (cheat grass) spread so fast?
They trap in small areas or get stuck on clothes and fabrics and spread there seeds.
What animals does sage attract?
Greater Sage-Grouse
Is it true that all ecosystems are affected by wildfires equally?
No, it is false
How many fires does Idaho have?
About 11 active wildfires are currently being tracked across Idaho
what other native plants can you find in the sage brush steppe?
sagebrush, winter fat, shrubs, forbs, wild flowers
what damage does the cheat grass do to the sagebrush steppe?
Do squirrels eat sage brush?
No, squirrels generally do not eat sagebrush
Are wildfires necessary?
Yes, periodic wildfires are a natural and necessary part of many ecosystems
what city in idaho has been the most affected by wildfires?
Boise City
how is sagebrush effected by wild fires?
once it burns it does not grow back.
over 30%
how many species does Idaho bring into the sagebrush steppe?
A single patch of sagebrush habitat in Idaho yielded more than 1,240 different species of insects
Are wildfires becoming worse?
Yes, destructive wildfires are becoming significantly worse, larger, and more severe around the world
what was the Murphy Complex Fire?
The largest modern fire in southern Idaho, burning over 653,000 acres across Idaho and Nevada in July 2007