There are 107 nature words that start with the letter Y. From Yabbie to Yuzu. Nature words encompass a vast array of terms that describe the natural world, including flora, fauna, geological formations, weather phenomena, and ecosystems. These words are essential in both scientific and everyday language, allowing for effective communication about the various elements and processes that shape our environment. The richness of natural vocabulary reflects the diversity and complexity of nature itself, ranging from common terms that anyone can understand to specialized terminology used by scientists and environmentalists. Understanding and utilizing nature words can enhance appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of preserving our natural resources.
An interesting fun fact about nature words is that many of them have etymological roots in ancient languages, such as Greek and Latin. For instance, the word “ecosystem” is derived from the Greek word “oikos,” meaning “house,” and “system,” indicating an organized whole. This etymology highlights how human language has evolved to describe nature and its intricate relationships over millennia, reflecting humanity’s enduring curiosity and connection to the environment.
Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:
Field: This column represents the specific area of study or interest related to the nature word, indicating whether it pertains to ecology, biology, geology, or another branch of natural sciences.
Definition: This column provides a concise and clear explanation of the term, giving users a straightforward understanding of what the word means in the context of nature.
Description: This column offers additional context or elaboration about the term, which may include examples, usage, relevance in scientific research, or significance in ecological discussions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the word’s application and importance.
Nature words That Start With Y
| Nature words | field | definition |
|---|---|---|
| Yabbie | Crustacean | A small freshwater crayfish found in eastern Australia. |
| Yabby | Animal | A type of freshwater crayfish native to southeastern Australia |
| Yacca | Plant | A species of tree native to Australia and New Zealand. |
| Yagua | Tree | A tropical American tree with large leaves and white flowers |
| Yagua Palm | Plant | A species of palm tree native to South America. |
| Yahara River | location | a river in Wisconsin, United States |
| Yakima River | location | a river in Washington state, United States |
| Yakka | Plant | A type of shrub or small tree with thick, fibrous leaves |
| Yakka Skink | Animal | A lizard species |
| Yalka | Plant | A type of edible tuberous plant found in Central Asia |
| Yam | Plant | A starchy, tuberous root used as a vegetable |
| Yam Bean | Plant | A tropical tuber crop related to the common bean |
| Yam Daisy | Plant | A native Australian wildflower with edible tubers |
| Yam, Edible | Plant | A type of tropical, starchy tuber crop |
| Yampa | Plant | A North American plant with edible roots |
| Yampa River | location | a river in Colorado, United States |
| Yampah | Plant | A perennial herb native to western North America. |
| Yampee | Plant | A tuberous-rooted plant used as a vegetable |
| Yan | Tree | A type of evergreen tree found in East Asia |
| Yanagi | Plant | A type of willow tree |
| Yangtze Finless Porpoise | Mammal | A small, freshwater porpoise found in the Yangtze River in China. |
| Yangtze River | location | the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world |
| Yankee Doodle | Bird | A small songbird found in eastern North America. |
| Yapok | Animal | Also known as the ‘water opossum,’ a semi-aquatic marsupial found in Central and South America. |
| Yaqui Catfish | Animal | A freshwater fish native to Mexico |
| Yard Stick | Plant | A flowering plant native to eastern North America. |
| Yareta | Plant | A flowering plant in the family Apiaceae |
| Yarra Pygmy Perch | Animal | A small, freshwater fish native to southeastern Australia. |
| Yarra River | location | a river that flows through Melbourne, Australia |
| Yarrow | Plant | A flowering herb native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. |
| Yarrow Butte | Landform | A geological feature |
| Yates Pinion | Plant | A species of pine tree native to the southwestern United States. |
| Yaupon | Plant | A holly species native to the southeastern United States |
| Yaupon Holly | Plant | A North American holly species |
| Yedo Pine | Plant | A species of pine tree |
| Yellow Bellied Marmot | Mammal | A large, ground-dwelling squirrel found in western North America. |
| Yellow Birch | Plant | A species of birch tree native to northeastern North America |
| Yellow Breasted Chat | Bird | A large, colorful songbird found in North America. |
| Yellow Cedar | Plant | An evergreen tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. |
| Yellow Dog | Mammal | A small, nocturnal mammal found in Southeast Asia. |
| Yellow Eyed Penguin | Bird | A endangered species of penguin found in New Zealand. |
| Yellow Finch | Bird | A small, bright yellow songbird found in North America. |
| Yellow Flower | Plant | A general term for any flowering plant with yellow blossoms. |
| Yellow Goat’s Beard | Plant | A flowering plant with large, yellow flower heads |
| Yellow Jacket | Insect | A type of stinging, social wasp found in North America. |
| Yellow Lady’s Slipper | Plant | A rare and protected orchid species |
| Yellow Legged Frog | Amphibian | A species of frog found in the western United States. |
| Yellow Lotus | Plant | An aquatic plant with large, yellow flowers |
| Yellow Monkey Flower | Plant | A flowering plant native to western North America. |
| Yellow Perch | Fish | A freshwater fish found in North America and Europe. |
| Yellow Pine | Plant | A type of pine tree found in western North America. |
| Yellow Poplar | Plant | A large, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. |
| Yellow Rat Snake | Reptile | A non-venomous snake found in the southeastern United States. |
| Yellow Rattle | Plant | A parasitic plant found in Europe and North America. |
| Yellow Rumped Warbler | Bird | A small songbird found in North America. |
| Yellow Starthistle | Plant | An invasive weed found in the western United States. |
| Yellow Storm Petrel | Bird | A small seabird found in the southern oceans. |
| Yellow Tailed Cockatoo | Bird | A large, brightly colored parrot native to Australia. |
| Yellow Trillium | Plant | A wildflower found in eastern North America. |
| Yellow Warbler | Bird | A small, bright yellow songbird found in North America. |
| Yellow Water Lily | Plant | An aquatic plant found in temperate regions. |
| Yellow Weasel | Mammal | A small, predatory mammal found in North America. |
| Yellow Wood Sorrel | Plant | A small, herbaceous plant found in many regions. |
| Yellow Woodpecker | Bird | A large, striking woodpecker found in North America. |
| Yellow-Breasted Chat | Bird | A migratory songbird in the family Icteriidae |
| Yellow-Crowned Night Heron | Bird | A species of heron native to the Americas |
| Yellow-Eyed Junco | Animal | A species of junco |
| Yellow-Faced Bumble Bee | Insect | A species of bumble bee native to western North America |
| Yellow-Headed Blackbird | Animal | A species of blackbird |
| Yellow-Legged Frog | Animal | An amphibian species |
| Yellow-Necked Mouse | Mammal | A species of mouse native to Europe and Asia Minor |
| Yellow-Rumped Warbler | Animal | A species of warbler |
| Yellowbelly | Animal | A freshwater fish found in the eastern United States. |
| Yellowbelly Marmot | Mammal | A species of marmot native to western North America |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Animal | A large, commercial tuna species |
| Yellowhammer | Animal | A type of bunting bird native to Eurasia |
| Yellowhead | Animal | A small bird species found in New Zealand |
| Yellowhorn | Tree | A small, deciduous tree with yellow flowers |
| Yellowjacket | Animal | A type of stinging wasp |
| Yellowlegs | Animal | A type of wading bird |
| Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout | Animal | A species of trout |
| Yellowstone River | location | a major river in the western United States |
| Yellowthroat | Animal | A small songbird species |
| Yellowtop | Plant | A flowering plant in the family Asteraceae |
| Yellowwood | Plant | A deciduous tree in the genus Cladrastis |
| Yerba Buena | Plant | An evergreen herb |
| Yerba Mansa | Plant | A perennial herb |
| Yeti Crab | Animal | A deep-sea crustacean found near hydrothermal vents |
| Yew | Tree | An evergreen conifer with bright red berries |
| Yggdrasil | Mythological | A mythological tree |
| Ymir Glacier | Geological Feature | A large glacier located in British Columbia, Canada. |
| Yocca | Plant | A species of agave native to Mexico and the southwestern United States |
| Yoccas | Plant | A type of succulent plant found in the Americas |
| Yodel | Vocalization | A singing technique involving rapid, high-pitched changes in vocal pitch. |
| Yoho National Park | location | a national park in British Columbia, Canada |
| Yonge’s Shearwater | Bird | A seabird found in the south Pacific Ocean |
| Yorkshire Fog | Grass | A type of grass found in temperate regions |
| Yosemite National Park | location | a famous national park in California, United States |
| Yucca | Plant | A genus of plants native to the Americas. |
| Yucca Moth | Insect | An insect that pollinates yucca plants |
| Yukon Flats | Geological Feature | A vast, low-lying region in Alaska. |
| Yukon Salmon | Fish | A species of Pacific salmon found in the Yukon River. |
| Yukon Territory | Region | A territory in northwestern Canada. |
| Yulan Magnolia | Tree | A flowering tree with large, white blossoms |
| Yumana Moth | Animal | A species of moth endemic to the Yumana Mountains in Peru |
| Yurts | Shelter | A portable dwelling |
| Yuzu | Plant | A citrus fruit native to East Asia |
Descriptions
Yabbie
The yabbie is a small, edible freshwater crayfish native to eastern Australia. It lives in rivers, streams, and ponds, and is an important food source for various wildlife.
Yabby
The yabby is a small freshwater crustacean that lives in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It is an important food source for many animals and is also harvested for human consumption.
Yacca
The yacca is a tall, evergreen tree found in Australia and New Zealand. It has thick, leathery leaves and produces white, fragrant flowers followed by edible, berry-like fruits.
Yagua
The Yagua is a large evergreen tree found in Central and South America. It has distinctive broad, leathery leaves and produces white, fragrant flowers.
Yagua Palm
The Yagua palm is a medium-sized palm tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a smooth, grey trunk and large, pinnately compound leaves. The tree produces clusters of small, yellow-orange fruits.
Yahara River
The Yahara River is a 56-mile long river that flows through southern Wisconsin, including the cities of Madison and Stoughton. It is part of the Rock River watershed and is known for its recreational activities, such as fishing and boating.
Yakima River
The Yakima River is a 214-mile long river that flows through central Washington state. It is an important salmon and steelhead trout spawning ground and is a popular destination for recreational activities like fishing, rafting, and kayaking.
Yakka
The Yakka is a drought-tolerant plant native to Australia. It has tough, spiny leaves and can grow in harsh, arid environments.
Yakka Skink
The Yakka skink is a medium-sized skink found in the arid regions of central and western Australia. It has a stocky build, a broad head, and a short, stubby tail. The Yakka skink is known for its ability to burrow and hide under rocks and logs.
Yalka
The yalka is a hardy perennial plant with long, slender leaves and an edible underground tuber. It has been cultivated for centuries by indigenous communities in the mountains of Central Asia as a valuable food source.
Yam
The yam is a starchy, tuberous root crop that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a popular staple food and can be boiled, roasted, or used in various dishes.
Yam Bean
The yam bean, also known as the jicama, is a starchy, tuberous root vegetable that is crisp and juicy with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple food in many parts of Central and South America.
Yam Daisy
The yam daisy, also called the murnong, is a perennial herb with yellow daisy-like flowers. Its starchy, edible tubers were an important food source for Aboriginal communities in southeastern Australia.
Yam, Edible
Edible yams are large, starchy tubers that are a staple food in many tropical regions. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are an important source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Yampa
Yampa is a perennial plant native to western North America. It has edible roots that were an important food source for many Native American tribes. The roots can be eaten raw, roasted, or used in stews.
Yampa River
The Yampa River is a 250-mile long tributary of the Green River that flows through northwestern Colorado. It is known for its pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities like rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
Yampah
Yampah is a perennial herb native to western North America. It has edible, carrot-like roots that were an important food source for many Native American tribes.
Yampee
The Yampee is a South American plant cultivated for its edible tubers. The tubers have a sweet, nutty flavor and are often cooked and eaten like potatoes.
Yan
The Yan is a coniferous tree species native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea. It has scale-like leaves and produces small, cone-like fruits.
Yanagi
Yanagi is the Japanese name for a species of willow tree. These trees are known for their graceful, drooping branches and are commonly used in Japanese gardens and landscaping.
Yangtze Finless Porpoise
The Yangtze finless porpoise is a small, freshwater porpoise found only in the Yangtze River in China. It is one of the world’s most endangered cetacean species, with a population of fewer than 1,000 individuals.
Yangtze River
The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is a 3,900-mile long river that flows across central China. It is a crucial transportation and economic waterway, and its basin is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the endangered Chinese alligator and finless porpoise.
Yankee Doodle
The Yankee Doodle is a small songbird native to eastern North America. It is known for its distinctive call and the yellow patch on its head, which resembles a feathered cap.
Yapok
The Yapok is the only fully aquatic marsupial. It has webbed hind feet and a pouch that it uses to carry its young while swimming. It feeds on small aquatic animals and has been known to dive for up to 8 minutes at a time.
Yaqui Catfish
The Yaqui catfish is a species of catfish found in the Yaqui River basin in northwestern Mexico. It is an important food fish for local communities and is threatened by habitat loss and pollution.
Yard Stick
The yard stick, also known as the tall ironweed, is a perennial plant native to eastern North America. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and produces clusters of purple flowers.
Yareta
A cushion-forming plant found in the high Andes of South America. It is known for its dense, woody mats that can live for centuries.
Yarra Pygmy Perch
The Yarra Pygmy Perch is a small, delicate fish that typically grows to around 6 cm in length. It has a compressed body and a rounded snout, and is found in slow-moving streams and lakes in the Yarra River basin.
Yarra River
The Yarra River is a 242-kilometer long river that flows through the city of Melbourne, Australia. It is an important recreational and cultural hub, with parks, walking trails, and iconic landmarks lining its banks.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a flowering herb native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It has finely divided, feathery leaves and produces clusters of small, white or pink flowers. Yarrow has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries.
Yarrow Butte
Yarrow Butte is a prominent hill located in the Badlands of North Dakota. It is composed of layers of sedimentary rock and is known for its diverse plant and animal life, including the rare Burrowing Owl.
Yates Pinion
The Yates pinion is a pine tree native to the southwestern United States, particularly in the mountains of New Mexico and Arizona. It is known for its edible pine nuts and its valuable timber.
Yaupon
An evergreen shrub or small tree with small, glossy leaves and red berries. The leaves were used by Native Americans to make a caffeine-containing tea.
Yaupon Holly
Yaupon holly is a species of holly native to the southeastern United States. It is a shrub or small tree known for its shiny, evergreen leaves and small, red berries that are eaten by birds.
Yedo Pine
The Yedo pine is a coniferous tree native to Japan. It is a large, majestic pine with long, pendulous branches and soft, blue-green needles. The Yedo pine is often used in traditional Japanese gardens and landscaping.
Yellow Bellied Marmot
The yellow-bellied marmot is a large, ground-dwelling squirrel found in the mountainous regions of western North America. It is known for its distinctive yellow-colored belly and its habit of living in family groups in extensive burrow systems.
Yellow Birch
The yellow birch is a large, deciduous tree that is native to the forests of northeastern North America. It is known for its distinctive, peeling yellow-gold bark and its valuable timber, which is used for furniture, flooring, and other wood products.
Yellow Breasted Chat
The yellow-breasted chat is a large, colorful songbird native to North America. It has a bright yellow throat and belly, and is known for its varied and distinctive vocalizations, which include a wide range of whistles, chuckles, and other sounds.
Yellow Cedar
The yellow cedar, also known as the Alaska cedar, is an evergreen tree native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is known for its durable, aromatic wood and its ability to grow in harsh, high-altitude environments.
Yellow Dog
The yellow dog, also known as the golden palm civet, is a small, nocturnal mammal found in Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive yellow coat and is known for its agility and its ability to climb trees.
Yellow Eyed Penguin
The yellow-eyed penguin, also known as the hoiho, is an endangered species of penguin found in New Zealand. It is the rarest penguin species in the world, with a population of only a few thousand individuals.
Yellow Finch
The yellow finch, also known as the American goldfinch, is a small, bright yellow songbird native to North America. It is known for its distinctive flight pattern and its cheerful, trilling song.
Yellow Flower
Yellow flowers are a diverse group of flowering plants that range from small, delicate wildflowers to large, showy garden varieties. They can be found in a wide range of habitats and play important roles in ecosystems as food sources and pollinators.
Yellow Goat’s Beard
The Yellow Goat’s Beard is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It has showy, dandelion-like flower heads that can reach up to 4 inches in diameter.
Yellow Jacket
The yellow jacket is a type of stinging, social wasp found in North America. It is known for its aggressive behavior and its ability to sting multiple times, which can be dangerous to humans and animals.
Yellow Lady’s Slipper
The Yellow Lady’s Slipper is a beautiful, endangered orchid found in parts of North America. It has distinctive, slipper-shaped yellow flowers and is a protected species in many areas.
Yellow Legged Frog
The yellow-legged frog is a species of frog found in the mountainous regions of the western United States. It is known for its distinctive yellow legs and its sensitivity to environmental changes, making it an important indicator species.
Yellow Lotus
The Yellow Lotus is a species of water lily native to Asia. It has large, bright yellow flowers that float on the surface of ponds and lakes.
Yellow Monkey Flower
The yellow monkey flower is a flowering plant native to western North America. It has bright yellow, snapdragon-like flowers and is found in a variety of habitats, including streams, meadows, and rocky slopes.
Yellow Perch
The yellow perch is a freshwater fish found in North America and Europe. It is known for its distinctive yellow-and-black striped appearance and its popularity as a game and food fish.
Yellow Pine
The yellow pine, also known as the ponderosa pine, is a type of pine tree found in the western regions of North America. It is known for its tall, straight trunks and its valuable timber, which has been used for construction and other purposes.
Yellow Poplar
The yellow poplar, also known as the tulip tree, is a large, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is known for its distinctive, tulip-shaped flowers and its valuable timber, which has been used for furniture, lumber, and other applications.
Yellow Rat Snake
The yellow rat snake is a large, non-venomous snake found in the southeastern United States. It is known for its distinct yellow coloration and its ability to climb trees and hunt for rodents and other small prey.
Yellow Rattle
The yellow rattle is a parasitic plant found in Europe and North America. It has bright yellow flowers and is known for its ability to parasitize the roots of other plants, which can help to create more diverse grassland habitats.
Yellow Rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler is a small songbird native to North America. It is known for its distinctive yellow rump patch and its ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats, from coniferous forests to urban areas.
Yellow Starthistle
Yellow starthistle is an invasive weed found in the western United States. It has bright yellow flowers and sharp, spiny bracts, and is known for its ability to outcompete native plants and reduce the productivity of pastures and rangelands.
Yellow Storm Petrel
The yellow storm petrel is a small seabird found in the southern oceans, particularly in the waters around Australia and New Zealand. It is known for its distinctive yellow belly and its ability to skim the surface of the water while foraging for small prey.
Yellow Tailed Cockatoo
The yellow-tailed cockatoo is a large, brightly colored parrot native to eastern Australia. It is known for its distinctive yellow crest and tail feathers, as well as its loud, screeching calls and its highly social behavior.
Yellow Trillium
The yellow trillium is a wildflower found in the forests of eastern North America. It has distinctive, three-petaled flowers that can range in color from pale yellow to deep red, and its leaves are arranged in a whorl around the stem.
Yellow Warbler
The yellow warbler is a small, bright yellow songbird found throughout North America. It is known for its cheerful, singing call and its ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats, from forests to urban gardens.
Yellow Water Lily
The yellow water lily, also known as the pond lily or the spatterdock, is an aquatic plant found in temperate regions around the world. It has large, floating leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom on the water’s surface.
Yellow Weasel
The yellow weasel, also known as the long-tailed weasel, is a small, predatory mammal found in North America. It is known for its distinctive yellow-brown coat and its ability to hunt a variety of small prey, including rodents, birds, and insects.
Yellow Wood Sorrel
The yellow wood sorrel is a small, herbaceous plant found in many regions around the world. It has distinctive, clover-like leaves and small, yellow flowers, and is known for its tart, lemony flavor and its use in traditional medicinal remedies.
Yellow Woodpecker
The yellow-shafted flicker, also known as the yellow woodpecker, is a large, striking woodpecker found throughout North America. It is known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage, its bright yellow wing and tail feathers, and its loud, resonant calls.
Yellow-Breasted Chat
A large warbler known for its diverse and sometimes mimicking vocalizations. It is often found in dense, shrubby habitats during the breeding season.
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron
A medium-sized wading bird that feeds primarily on crustaceans and small vertebrates. It is known for its distinctive black and yellow crown and face pattern.
Yellow-Eyed Junco
The Yellow-Eyed Junco is a small songbird found in the mountains of western North America. It has a distinctive yellow eye and a dark hood, and is known for its cheerful, bouncing song.
Yellow-Faced Bumble Bee
A vital pollinator that is important for the health of many ecosystems. It is known for its bright yellow facial markings and its role in the pollination of various flowering plants.
Yellow-Headed Blackbird
The Yellow-Headed Blackbird is a large, striking blackbird with a bright yellow head and chest. It is found in wetlands and prairies across western North America and is known for its loud, metallic-sounding calls.
Yellow-Legged Frog
The Yellow-Legged Frog is a species of frog native to the western United States. It has distinctive bright yellow legs and is known for its high-pitched call, which can be heard echoing through mountain streams and ponds.
Yellow-Necked Mouse
A small rodent with a distinctive yellow band around its neck. It is known for its hibernation during the winter months and its ability to store food for the colder seasons.
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The Yellow-Rumped Warbler is a small songbird known for its distinctive yellow rump and sides. It is a common sight in forests and woodlands across North America and is known for its cheerful, buzzing song.
Yellowbelly
Also known as the ‘redfin,’ the Yellowbelly is a sunfish species that is characterized by its bright yellow belly and fins. It is a popular game fish that is valued for its tasty flesh.
Yellowbelly Marmot
A large ground squirrel that lives in alpine and subalpine regions. It is known for its loud, whistling call and its tendency to hibernate during the winter months.
Yellowfin Tuna
The yellowfin tuna is a large, migratory fish prized for its firm, flavorful meat. It is an important commercial species and is often used in sushi and other Japanese cuisine.
Yellowhammer
The yellowhammer is a small songbird that is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its bright yellow head and chest, as well as its distinctive, repetitive song. Yellowhammers are a common sight in rural and agricultural areas across their range.
Yellowhead
The yellowhead, also known as the mohua, is a small, endemic bird species found in the forests of New Zealand. It is known for its bright yellow head and is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species.
Yellowhorn
The Yellowhorn is a tree species native to China. It has compound leaves and produces clusters of fragrant, yellow flowers in the spring.
Yellowjacket
Yellowjackets are a type of social wasp known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. They are commonly found in North America and are important pollinators, but can also be a nuisance around outdoor activities.
Yellowlegs
Yellowlegs are a group of shorebird species known for their long, bright yellow legs. They are found in wetlands and coastal areas across North America and Eurasia, where they feed on small aquatic creatures.
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
The Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout is a subspecies of trout native to the Yellowstone River basin in the western United States. It is known for its vibrant coloration and is an important sport fish and cultural icon in the region.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is a 692-mile long river that flows through Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. It is known for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and important role in the ecosystem of the region, including as a habitat for species like the grizzly bear and bald eagle.
Yellowthroat
The common yellowthroat is a small, migratory songbird found throughout much of North America. It is known for its distinctive black mask and yellow throat, as well as its lively, chattering song.
Yellowtop
A perennial herb with bright yellow flower heads. It is commonly found in grasslands and open areas throughout North America and is known for its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
Yellowwood
A tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its smooth, gray bark and its fragrant, white flowers. The wood from this tree has been used in furniture and construction.
Yerba Buena
Yerba Buena is a fragrant, creeping evergreen herb native to the western United States and Mexico. It was used by indigenous communities for its medicinal properties and is still used in some traditional herbal remedies today.
Yerba Mansa
Yerba Mansa is a perennial herb native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has broad, leathery leaves and clusters of small, white flowers, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine by indigenous communities.
Yeti Crab
The yeti crab is a unique species of deep-sea crab that is found near hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean. It has a distinctive, hairy appearance that resembles the mythical creature it is named after, and it uses its long, spindly legs to filter-feed on the rich, microbial communities that thrive in the vent environments.
Yew
The Yew is a slow-growing, long-lived tree species found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It has distinctive, scale-like leaves and produces bright red, berry-like fruits.
Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is a mythical tree that features prominently in Norse mythology. It is believed to be a massive, world-spanning ash tree that connects the nine realms of the Norse cosmos, and is considered a sacred and central element of the Norse cosmological worldview.
Ymir Glacier
The Ymir Glacier is a large, high-altitude glacier located in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. It is named after Ymir, the primordial giant of Norse mythology, and is known for its impressive size and the stunning, rugged landscape it helps to shape.
Yocca
A large, succulent plant with thick, spiny leaves and a tall, flowering stalk. It has been used by indigenous peoples for food, fiber, and traditional medicine.
Yoccas
Yoccas are a group of hardy, drought-tolerant succulents native to the Americas. They have thick, spiny leaves and can grow in arid, rocky environments.
Yodel
Yodeling is a singing technique that involves rapid, high-pitched changes in vocal pitch, often used in traditional folk music from the mountainous regions of Europe, particularly Switzerland and Austria. It is characterized by the distinctive alternation between a low, chest voice and a high, head voice.
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is a 1,313-square-kilometer park located in the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia. It is known for its towering mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including the grizzly bear, wolverine, and mountain caribou.
Yonge’s Shearwater
The Yonge’s Shearwater is a medium-sized, dark-colored seabird that breeds on remote islands in the south Pacific. It spends much of its life at sea, only coming to land to nest.
Yorkshire Fog
Yorkshire Fog is a perennial grass species native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has a distinctive, fluffy seed head and can be found in meadows, pastures, and other grassy areas.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a 748,436-acre park located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It is renowned for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and diverse wildlife, including the iconic Yosemite Valley and landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome.
Yucca
Yucca is a genus of perennial plants native to the Americas, particularly the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are known for their large, sword-shaped leaves and their tall flower stalks that produce clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers.
Yucca Moth
The Yucca Moth is a small moth species that has a symbiotic relationship with yucca plants. The moth lays its eggs inside the yucca flower, and the larvae feed on the developing seeds, while also pollinating the plant.
Yukon Flats
The Yukon Flats is a vast, low-lying region in central Alaska, known for its extensive wetlands, lakes, and boreal forests. This ecologically important area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, moose, and bears.
Yukon Salmon
The Yukon salmon, also known as the Yukon Chinook salmon, is a species of Pacific salmon found in the Yukon River, which flows through Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada. It is an important resource for Indigenous communities and a vital part of the region’s ecosystem.
Yukon Territory
The Yukon Territory is a sparsely populated territory in northwestern Canada, known for its vast wilderness, rugged mountains, and rich natural resources. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and migratory birds, as well as Indigenous communities with deep cultural ties to the land.
Yulan Magnolia
The Yulan Magnolia is a deciduous tree native to China. It is known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear.
Yumana Moth
The Yumana moth is a rare and little-studied species of moth that is found only in the Yumana Mountains of Peru. It has distinctive, patterned wings and is believed to play an important role in the local ecosystem, though its exact ecological function is not well-understood.
Yurts
Yurts are a type of portable, circular tent-like dwelling traditionally used by nomadic peoples in Central Asia. They are typically made of a wooden frame covered in felt or skins, and are designed to be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported, making them well-suited for a nomadic lifestyle.
Yuzu
Yuzu is a hardy, small citrus fruit that is native to East Asia, particularly Japan and China. It has a distinctive, tart flavor that is often compared to a cross between a lemon and a grapefruit. Yuzu is used in a variety of traditional East Asian cuisines and is also valued for its potential health benefits.
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