1. In the Coronado National Forest Onamia Pope August 23, 2000

2.  Calcareous rock is associated with distinct vegetation  Other studies have correlated limestone with specific vegetation, however few studies have been done in Arizona  The ocotillo appears to dominate vegetation with the presence of limestone

3.  Is there a correlation between the presence of limestone and the abundance of ocotillo?  If there is a correlation, what physical and chemical properties of limestone can explain these differences?

4.  The site was located in the Coronado National Forest  The area chosen was designed to eliminate other variable that could alter vegetation community  The area had little environmental disturbance

5.  Quantitative samples were taken from twenty-three, 25(m2) quadrants  A major rock type for each quadrant was identified.  The number of each dominant species of vegetation was counted.  The percent of cover of rock, grasses and fairy duster was estimate by visual observation.

6.  Latitude and Longitude data was collected using GPS  Data were analyzed using chi-square statistical test and histograms

7.  Significance level for limestone occurring with Ocotillo(.0005), Agave(.006).  Significance level for limestone occurring without Fishhook cactus (.012).  Non-significant results for mesquite and prickly pear occurring with limestone.  No new information when tests were expanded to include limestone, granite and shale. Chi-squared test results

11.  Differences observed in the dominance of the ocotillo are a result of physiological requirements  Calcareous soils represent a more arid habitat  The fine texture of limestone allows it to hold more water  Limestone and granite alter the pH of the soil

12.  Calcareous soil is a determinate of vegetation  This project is in its infancy stages many factors that were not studied can cause the vegetation present.  More data needs to be collected to determine over a greater time period in order to determine the effects of time on vegetation  Clearly rocks are the most important thing in this world.