 Like soldiers in a desperate battle, wildland plants and animals have to have a strategy for survival and victory. These grasses have survived the chomping and stomping of millions of buffalo and other grazing animals for thousands of years, mostly by lying low, spreading out, and being very frugal with water. Some of their companions prosper in arid conditions by wearing a thick waxy coat to hold the water in and by arming themselves with bayonets. Ouch! Having small leaves or leaves that drop off during dry periods is one strategy for living in arid environments. Shallow, widespreading roots help absorb water efficiently in dry places or shallow soils. This cactus has succulent water storage tissue under its waxy coat, and it doesn't lose any water from leaves because it has turned them into skin-piercing weapons. Yow! Wyoming is a tough place to live, but hundreds of beautiful plants and animal species have adapted to survive here. I'm Gene Gayde from the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service.