Merriam Mountains facts for kids
The Merriam Mountains are a mountain range found in San Diego County, California. These mountains are home to many animals like coyotes, rabbits, and rattlesnakes. You can also find various insects and a plant called fennel, which originally came from Italy.
Quick facts for kids Merriam Mountains |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 423 m (1,388 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | San Diego County |
| Range coordinates | 33°12′45.132″N 117°8′44.119″W / 33.21253667°N 117.14558861°W |
| Topo map | USGS San Marcos |
Contents
Exploring the Merriam Mountains
The Merriam Mountains are a natural landmark in Southern California. They are a great place to learn about geology, animals, and plants. These mountains are not very tall, reaching about 423 meters (1,388 feet) high.
How the Mountains Were Formed: Geology
The rocks that make up the Merriam Mountains are mostly igneous rocks. These rocks were formed a very long time ago. This happened during a period called the Mid-Cretaceous. This time began about 145 million years ago and ended 66 million years ago.
What are Igneous Rocks?
Igneous rocks are created from molten rock. This molten rock is called magma when it's underground. It's called lava when it erupts onto the Earth's surface. When magma or lava cools down and hardens, it forms igneous rock. This process often happens deep within the Earth or after a volcanic eruption.
Who Lives Here? Animals of Merriam Mountains
The Merriam Mountain Range is home to many different types of wildlife. You can find several common animal species living in this area.
Mammals and Reptiles
- Coyotes: These clever animals are part of the dog family. They are known for their distinctive howls. Coyotes are often seen hunting small animals.
- Rabbits: Various types of rabbits live in the mountains. They are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. Rabbits are an important food source for many predators.
- Rattlesnakes: These are venomous snakes. They are known for the rattle at the end of their tails. Rattlesnakes use this rattle to warn others when they feel threatened.
Insects
The mountains also have a wide variety of common insect species. Insects play a vital role in the ecosystem. They help with pollination and are a food source for other animals.
Plants of the Mountains
Besides animals, the Merriam Mountains also have interesting plant life. One plant you might find is fennel.
Fennel: An Imported Plant
Fennel is a plant that grows in some parts of the southern Merriam Mountains. It is not originally from California. Fennel is an imported species, meaning it was brought here from another place. It is native to Italy, a country in Europe. Fennel has a strong, unique smell and taste.
