To survive, the Gambel oak evolved a communal approach to living. Its roots spread horizontally, rather than digging deep into the soil. At regularly spaced intervals the roots poke up through the ground and generate a new tree. Groves of this tree might have what appears to be 30 or 40 separate trees. In fact, they are all connected by the same root system. Aspen trees on the North Rim also use this method.
