this is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and is an international biosphere reserve. about 95% of the park is a wilderness area. it is the hottest and driest of the national parks in the united states. the second-lowest point in the western hemisphere is in badwater basin, which is below sea level. the park is home to many species of plants and animals that have adapted to this harsh desert environment. some examples include creosote bush, bighorn sheep, coyote, and the death valley pupfish, a survivor of much wetter times.