Introduction - Mountains and Plains: The Ecology of Wyoming Landscapes - page 4

Fig. 1.1. elevation map of Wyoming and neighboring parts of
Montana, South Dakota, nebraska, colorado, Utah, and idaho.
the lowest elevations in the state are in the northeast. the
names of physical and cultural features are shown in figs. 1.2
and 1.4. Land cover is illustrated in fig. 1.5, and major rivers

are identified in fig. 4.1. the total area of Wyoming, includ-
ing that portion of Yellowstone national Park in the state, is
97,814 square miles. the state is bounded by longitudes 104°3′
and 111°3′ and latitudes 41° and 45°. cartography by Ken
Driese.

Ecology ing the interactions among plants, animals, micro-

organisms, humans, and their environment. the
interactions are studied to be understood, not to be
judged as good or bad. ecologists strive to be objective
through systematic measurements, experimentation,
and analysis. Many also work to ensure that decision-

Most ecologists would argue that it is important to
protect air and water quality, conserve biological
diversity, and maintain soil productivity. Yet advocacy
for environmental protection is not ecology per se.
Rather, ecology is a science dedicated to understand-