Trilobite Point facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trilobite Point |
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Trilobite Point (right of Mount Holmes) from Madison River
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,010 ft (3,050 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Yellowstone National Park, Park County, Montana |
| Parent range | Gallatin Range |
Trilobite Point is a mountain peak located in the famous Yellowstone National Park. It stands tall at about 10,010 feet (3,051 meters) above sea level. This peak is part of the Gallatin Range, a beautiful mountain chain found in the park.
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Exploring Trilobite Point
Trilobite Point is found in the southern part of the Gallatin Range. This mountain range stretches across parts of Montana and Wyoming. The peak itself is located within Park County, Montana, inside Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in the United States. It is famous for its amazing geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Trilobite Point offers stunning views of this incredible natural area.
What is a Trilobite?
You might wonder why a mountain is named "Trilobite Point." A trilobite was a type of ancient sea creature. They lived on Earth millions of years ago, long before dinosaurs. Trilobites were arthropods, like modern-day crabs or insects.
They had a hard outer shell and a body divided into three parts. Their name, "trilobite," means "three lobes." These creatures are now extinct, but their fossils are found all over the world. Finding a fossil of a trilobite is like finding a piece of Earth's ancient history.
While Trilobite Point is a mountain, its name likely comes from the geological history of the area. The rocks in the Gallatin Range can contain fossils from ancient times. This reminds us that mountains, even tall ones, have a long story to tell.
Wildlife Around Trilobite Point
The area around Trilobite Point is home to many different animals. Yellowstone National Park is famous for its large mammals. You might see bison (also called buffalo) grazing in the valleys. Elk are also very common.
Other animals that live here include grizzly bears and wolf packs. These animals are an important part of the park's ecosystem. They help keep nature balanced. Bird watchers can also spot many types of birds flying over the mountains.
Plants of the Gallatin Range
The Gallatin Range, where Trilobite Point is located, has many types of plants. Forests of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir trees cover the mountain slopes. In open areas, you can find meadows filled with wildflowers during the summer.
These plants provide food and shelter for the animals. They also help keep the soil healthy. The types of plants change as you go higher up the mountain. Near the top, where it's colder and windier, you might only find small, tough plants and grasses.
