Plants:
- Cacti: Arizona is known for its abundance of cacti, including the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 50 feet tall. Other common cacti include the barrel cactus, prickly pear cactus, and cholla cactus.
- Wildflowers: Arizona is also home to a variety of wildflowers, especially during the spring months. Some common wildflowers include the Mexican poppy, lupine, desert marigold, and Arizona lupine.
- Trees: The state's diverse habitats support various tree species, including the ponderosa pine, juniper, oak, cottonwood, and mesquite.
Animals:
- Mammals: Arizona is home to several mammal species, such as the desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyote, bobcat, javelina, and black bear. Additionally, the state is home to several bat species, including the Mexican free-tailed bat and the cave myotis.
- Birds: Arizona's diverse habitats attract various bird species, including the bald eagle, golden eagle, great horned owl, roadrunner, and various songbirds such as the cactus wren and Gambel's quail.
- Reptiles: Arizona's desert environment is home to various reptile species, including Gila monster, chuckwalla, desert iguana, rattlesnakes, and several nonvenomous snake species.
- Amphibians: Arizona's numerous water sources support various amphibian species, such as the lowland leopard frog, Arizona tree frog, and canyon tree frog.
- Invertebrates: The state is home to a wide range of invertebrates, including tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes, butterflies, and various insects.
The diverse plant and animal life in Arizona contribute significantly to the state's ecological richness and biodiversity. Many of these species are adapted to the unique desert environment and have developed fascinating survival mechanisms over time.