Nebraska Envirothon Practice Exam

The Pine Ridge area of Nebraska is characterized predominantly by Ponderosa Pine forests. This specific type of forest thrives in the dry, rugged terrain of the Pine Ridge, which provides the right climate and soil conditions for the Ponderosa Pine to flourish. Ponderosa Pines are well-adapted to drought and have long, straight trunks that can grow quite tall, which is indicative of the kind of ecosystem found in this region.

While other forest types, such as riparian forests, exist in Nebraska, they are usually located along rivers and streams, rather than the upland areas like those in Pine Ridge. Fontenelle Forest is a specific nature center and forest area located near Omaha, and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a larger forest area in Nebraska but does not specifically denote the type of forest found in the Pine Ridge. Therefore, the distinctive features and location of Ponderosa Pine forests make it the correct answer for this question regarding the Pine Ridge area.