Yosemite Nature Notes 11: Big Trees

The video explores the grandeur of giant sequoias, comparing their size to modern structures and other large trees. It delves into their physical characteristics, historical significance, and the cultural impact of these ancient trees. The video also highlights the conservation efforts that have preserved these natural wonders, emphasizing their role in the development of national parks and their ability to put human concerns into perspective.

What modern structures are compared to the size of a giant Sequoia in the video?

• Airplanes and ships

• Mountains and hills

• Skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty

• Bridges and tunnels

What environmental factors contribute to the growth of giant Sequoias?

• Strong winds and rocky terrain

• Precipitation, glacial soils, and western aspect

• Low temperatures and sandy soil

• High altitude and dry climate

Which tree was famously photographed and had a tunnel cut through it?

• The Grizzly Giant

• The Wawona Tunnel Tree

• The Mariposa Pine

• The Sugar Pine

What was a common reaction of early European Americans when they first saw the giant Sequoias?

• They were indifferent

• They were frightened

• They thought they were ordinary trees

• They saw them as a source of timber

What significant decision did Congress make during the Civil War regarding the Sequoia groves?

• To sell the land to private owners

• To protect them for all time

• To ignore their existence

• To use them for timber

How do people often describe their experience when entering a Sequoia forest?

• Like entering a bustling city

• Like entering a cathedral

• Like entering a desert

• Like entering a noisy market

What is one of the values of national parks as mentioned in the video?

• They provide a place for commercial development

• They are a source of timber

• They are a place for hunting

• They make us realize our problems are small