When you hike through the scrubland or desert, look carefully at the land surface and its plant and animal life. There's a good chance you'll see cryptobiotic soil crust. It's easy to overlook, but it plays an important role in nature.

Learn more about cryptobiotic soil crust. Choose an option that fits your need:

Try the Save Soil Crust! WebQuest.

 

Note: All photographs taken with a digital camera in Arizona and Utah.
Developed by Annette Lamb and Larry Johnson, 04/02.