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NPS - Petrified Forest National ParkPaleontology is the study of fossils in geologic settings that can date back hundreds of millions of years. Archaeology looks at human cultures over a much shorter time span. Though distinct disciplines, both use similar technologies and methods in their work, and show fascinating intersections. -
Carrie Calisay CannonSpring mounds are found in arid regions worldwide where geological formations force groundwater to the surface. In the U.S., the feature is especially common in the mineral-rich soils of the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts.
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The Relict Leopard Frog was once found in wetlands throughout northwest Arizona, southeast Nevada and southwest Utah. It was thought extinct until isolated populations were found in Nevada in 1991. -
When you think of armadillos, you may conjure up images of Texas and a small, armored possum-like creature, yet Arizona was once home to a gigantic armadillo species. -
High-tech may be coming to the Southwest’s rangelands with an idea called virtual fencing. -
At the heart of the Colorado Plateau sits the largest concentration of archaeological remnants in the country, known as the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. -
Jumping spiders are common on the Colorado Plateau but are also found worldwide. These daytime predators are great leapers — some can jump nearly 40 times their body length. -
Parched corn is a favorite winter food of the Zuni of northern New Mexico. It's to be made only in the winter months as it may adversely affect fresh corn crops in the field if prepared during the growing season. -
Petroglyphs are images etched into stone. They’re created by carving away the darker top layer of the rock face to reveal a lighter surface underneath and they can offer clues to centuries of environmental change. -
The vampire bat lives in Mexico and Central and South America, but scientists think it might move north into Arizona within the next decade or two with warming temperatures from climate change. -
Many would guess a dog has the strongest nose in the animal kingdom, but actually, bears are believed to have the most acute sense of smell. -
Scientists have found a novel way to trace the path of mercury in the environment — through dragonflies.
