Diversity is the key word in an understanding of the ecology of the Appalachian mountains.
Four rare or endangered animals have also been identified on Parkway lands. The reasons for this wide diversity are numerous. The Parkway is also oriented on a north-south axis with its two ends almost 500 miles apart. Combining these two factors, the Parkway contains habitat as diverse as one may find traveling from Georgia to Newfoundland. Another factor is that many ridgetops may bear the full force of wind, sun, and severe weather conditions, while protected coves are dark and moist.