Yellowstone River Quiz
Montana river, tributaries, basin, ecology (10 questions).
Yellowstone River Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Yellowstone River is a vital waterway in the western United States, originating in Yellowstone National Park and flowing primarily through Montana. It’s renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and significant role in regional history and ecology.
Key Aspects of the Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone is Montana’s longest free-flowing river, a critical resource for agriculture, recreation, and wildlife, supporting many communities along its path.
Major contributors include the Bighorn, Tongue, Powder, and Clarks Fork Yellowstone Rivers, feeding its extensive network and increasing its flow volume.
As the primary tributary of the Missouri River, it’s a fundamental part of the largest river system in North America, ultimately draining to the Gulf of Mexico.
Home to native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, bison, elk, and various bird species, the river supports diverse ecosystems from mountain headwaters to plains.
Key Takeaways
- The Yellowstone River originates in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
- It is the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States.
- It serves as the primary tributary of the Missouri River.
- Important cities along its course in Montana include Livingston, Billings, and Glendive.
- The river’s basin is crucial for agriculture, recreation (fishing, rafting), and provides habitat for iconic wildlife.
- Notable geographic features include the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, famous for its colorful rock and waterfalls.
- Its ecosystem supports diverse flora and fauna, including native cutthroat trout and large mammals like bison and elk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Yellowstone River originate?
The Yellowstone River originates in the southeastern part of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, specifically in the Absaroka Mountains.
Which major river does the Yellowstone River flow into?
The Yellowstone River is the largest tributary of the Missouri River, joining it near Buford, North Dakota.
What states does the Yellowstone River flow through?
While originating in Wyoming, the Yellowstone River flows predominantly through the state of Montana, with a short segment in North Dakota before its confluence with the Missouri.
What is the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone”?
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a large canyon on the Yellowstone River within Yellowstone National Park, famous for its vibrant yellow-to-orange hydrothermally altered rock and two major waterfalls: the Upper and Lower Falls.
What kind of wildlife can be found along the Yellowstone River?
The Yellowstone River ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, including native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, bison, elk, deer, moose, and various bird species.
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