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Colours of a Biome: Tundra Edition

Earth Rangers

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August 4, 2011

After traveling through the beautiful trees of the Deciduous Forest, we are changing course. Better grab your coat and toque because the winters in this biome are long, dark and chilly!

The Tundra biome is found at the top of mountains (Alpine tundra) and just below the Arctic Circle (Arctic tundra). It is the coldest of all the biomes. In fact, for 6-10 months of the year, the temperature in the tundra is below 0°C. Despite experiencing less rain than most deserts, the tundra remains wet because these cold temperatures slow the rate of evaporation. This cold weather also means that there is a layer of ground, just below the surface, that is permanently frozen, called permafrost. Although temperatures warm up during the summer, the growing season is very short and the soil thaws only a few inches deep. This limits the biodiversity among plants, mainly growing mosses, grasses, shrubs and other resilient plants.

RED
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

harlequin duck, water animal, sea bird — Harlequin Duck. Photo Credit: Peter Massas

Details: Considered one of the most colourful sea ducks, the coats of males are dark blue and feature accents of white and chestnut. It is these colourful feathers, along with courtship dances, that females will use to select a mate. Females are not as colourful, usually a dusky brown, with whitish patches on the sides of their face.

My Hood: Along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America. They also breed in Greenland and Iceland. The Harlequin duck winters along the coast of the Bering Sea Islands, Japan, Korea, China, California and from southern Labrador to Long island. During the spring and summer the Harlequin duck lives in freshwater habitats, but during the winter they head to the seas and rocky parts of the coast

How I fit in: Unlike most northern ducks, the Harlequin sets up their nests beside fast-flowing streams. The mother uses this stream to teach her young valuable life skills, like how to find food on their own. Living in very different environments throughout the seasons means their survival depends on lots of habitat protection! Development, the threat of oil spills, and human interference are some of the big threats to this species’ breeding and wintering grounds.

http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=47

http://www.eol.org/pages/1048979

ORANGE
Yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris)

yellow-bellied marmot, animal, — Yellow-bellied Marmot. Photo Credit: Davefoc

Details: Like most of their family, Yellow-bellied marmots have thick, coarse fur. Males are heavier (2.95-5.22kg) and longer (490-700mm) than females. However, what females lack in size, they make up for in their parenting. While males have no hand in raising young, females share the responsibility with other mothers to ensure their offspring are reared properly.

My Hood: This marmot lives among the mountains of Southern BC and Alberta all the way down to Southwestern US. Although they normally live at elevations of 2000m, they can be found up to 4,100m in the Rocky Mountains. That’s over 4X the height of the world’s tallest skyscraper.

How I fit in: The Alpine tundra can get pretty cold and in September, yellow-bellied Marmots retire to their warm burrows to start hibernating. By the time May rolls around, the weather warms up and the marmots emerge from their dens. From May to September, they have their young and spend most of their time bulking up for the next winter’s sleep.

http://www.eol.org/pages/327985

YELLOW
Arctic Bumblebee (Bombus polaris)

bombus polaris, arctic bumblebee — Bombus polaris. Photo Credit: Silvio Sorcini

Details: Bombus polaris has the distinct look of a common bumblebee. Along with Bombus hyperboreus, they are the only species of bumblebees found in the high north. Bombus polaris is the smaller and more social of the two species.

My Hood: These bees are found around the Arctic Circle. They can even be found on Ellesmere Island and they are one of the only social insects to live that far north.

How I fit in: All bees are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is dependent on the air temperature around them. As a result many bees can’t function in the cold. However, bees like Bombus polaris have ways to keep from freezing. They generate heat by twitching their flying muscles and they have also developed dense hair on their bodies, which slows heat loss. They keep their body temperature at 20-30°C, even when the air around them is below freezing. Since there are so few insects found in the north, they play a very important role in the pollination of Arctic plants.

http://www.nps.gov/akso/ParkWise/Students/ReferenceLibrary/BELA/ArcticAdaptations.htm

http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/events/department-news/803/the-plight-of-the-bumblebee/

http://www.arctic.uoguelph.ca/cpl/organisms/inverts/Close_ups/terrestrial/Hymen_usurper.htm

GREEN
Northern Grasshopper (Melanoplus borealis)

northern grasshopper, green — Northern Grasshopper. Photo Credit: Brad Smith

Details: This flying grasshopper has a dark body (black, brown, tan or green) accented with a light crescent on its head. Females are the larger of the two genders, reaching 392mg, while males grow to be about 231mg.

My Hood: In Arctic tundra, bogs and mountain meadows of Canada and Northern USA.

How I fit in: The sun is very important to these grasshoppers. To fight the cold temperatures, they bask in the sun until they have warmed up enough to search for food. They eat mostly forbs (like dandelions), grasses and dead insects, but have been known to cause damage to plants if their population is too high. In the evening, they bask in the sun one more time before it sets and they return to their shelters for the night.

http://www.sidney.ars.usda.gov/grasshopper/ID_Tools/F_Sheets/northern.htm

http://www.entomology.ualberta.ca/searching_species_details.php?b=Orthoptera&c=7&s=38034

BLUE
Spring Gentian (Gentiana Verna)

spring gentian, blue flower, plant — Spring Gentian. Photo Credit: Kauk0r

Details: The Spring Gentian is the smallest plant in its family. It can grow 7cm and produces five pointed starflowers that measure 15-30mm. These blue flowers are in bloom from April to June.

My Hood: Although they have been found on the hills of Europe, it is a rare occurrence. When they are spotted, they usually grow very close to limestone deposits and up to elevations of 3000m.

How I fit in: This plant loves the sun. The flowers warm themselves when the sun is shining, but close their petals when the sun disappears. The Spring Gentian also relies on bees for pollination. However, sometimes the bees will skip pollination and bite through the stem for a drink of its nectar.

http://www.northpennines.org.uk/getmedia.cfm?mediaid=12560

H. S. Pardoe Mountain Plants of the British Isles: An Introduction to our Native Arctic-Alpine Flora. Cardiff: National Museum of Wales, 1995: Page 24

Hilary Sharp Trekking and Climbing in the Western Alps. London: New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd., 2002: Page 82

PURPLE
Purple Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)

purple saxifrage, plant, mountain — Purple Mountain Saxifrage. Photo Credit: Alastair Rae

Details: This saxifrage grows brilliant purple flowers on densely packed leaves – so dense, in fact, that it may be mistaken for moss. The leaves are egg shaped and grow about 2-5mm. In certain areas, it can flower as early as March and is known to be fearless of snow. If you are ever hungry near a Purple Mountain Saxifrage, take a bite – this plant is edible.

My Hood: The purple mountain Saxifrage grows in Europe, Asia and parts of North America. They are found on mountains at elevations as high as 5600m and in the Arctic regions.

How I fit in: It is considered one of the hardiest of all the seed producing plants. They can grow where no other vascular plant can, like along cliff ledges and hilltops, due to the structure of their leaves.

http://www.eol.org/pages/583337

http://www.mun.ca/biology/delta/arcticf/_ca/www/sxsxop.htm

Anne Pratt The Flowering Plants and Ferns of Great Britain. London: Under the Direction of the Committee of General Literature and Education, 1855: Page 348-350

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out what a biome is and the different types that can be found on Earth. Up next: the Taiga Forest!!

To find out more about the tundra biome check out these links:

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Experiments/Biome/biotundra.php

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Colours of a Biome: Deciduous Forest Edition

Earth Rangers

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July 27, 2011

41

Colours of a Biome: Deciduous Forest Edition

We’re heading out of the hot desert heat and into a land with lots of greens.

The deciduous forest is full of…well deciduous trees! The word deciduous refers to the kind of trees that lose their leaves in the winter. These are different from coniferous trees, also known as evergreens, which stay green all year long. Throughout the seasons there are huge changes to the deciduous forest. In the fall the leaves change colour and start to die off. In the winter the trees are bare as the forest protects itself from the cold. As spring approaches heavy rainfall helps life bounce back and by summer the biome is lush and green again.

RED
European Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

Details: Despite its name, this squirrel’s fur can be grey as well as red. They grow tuffs on their ears and are famous for their fluffy tails.

My Hood: Throughout the forests of Europe, Northern Asia and Siberia

How I fit in: Red Squirrels don’t need to hibernate, they have a few tricks up their sleeves that help them survive the winter. In the fall they pack on the pounds and hide food that they will dig up later in the year. They also build strong dreys (nests) often in the fork of a tree trunk, which protects them from the cold and keeps them dry. Although they usually like to keep to themselves, when it gets really cold, related squirrels will share dreys to keep warm.

http://www.arkive.org/red-squirrel/sciurus-vulgaris/#text=Facts

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/Redsquirrel

ORANGE
Weeping Milk Cap (Lactarius volemus)

weeping milk cap, mushroom — Weeping Milk Cap. Photo Credit: Walter J. Pilsak

Details: This mushroom can grow over 10cm high and 5-10 cm wide! When this mushroom is young it is an orangey colour, but as it ages it turns pale yellow. Don’t worry if you can’t identify it by colour, just take a strong whiff – if it smells fishy you’ve probably found one. The Weeping Milk Cap is a very sensitive organism; they bruise easily and will turn brown if you touch them.

My Hood: In the forests of Europe, eastern U.S., and southern Canada from June to September

How I fit in: Like most Fungi, the Weeping Milk Cap is a decomposer. This means it gets its nutrients by breaking down dead organisms. These decomposers are like the clean up crew of the forest, breaking down material and keeping things (like all those fallen leaves) from a piling up.

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tawny_milkcap_mushroom.htm

L. R. Hesler and Alexander H. Smith North American Species of Lactarius. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 1979: Page 162-165

YELLOW
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, butterfly — Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Details: Males are yellow with black stripes. Females may look similar to the males or completely black. Their wings can grow up to 7.6cm.

My Hood: This butterfly ranges east of the Rocky Mountains to Ontario and can be found as south as northern Mexico

eastern tiger swallowtail, female, dark form, butterfly — Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail in Dark Form. Photo Credit: Megan McCarty

How I fit in: You may find it strange that females of the same species can look so different from one another. It all has to do with survival and protection. The butterflies with the yellow and black pattern will flap their wings when in danger, distracting predators with flashes of colour. The all black butterflies, on the other hand, mimic the appearance of the Blue Swallowtail, a horrible tasting butterfly. This case of mistaken identity will make a potential predator think twice before taking a bite.

http://www.eol.org/pages/130855

http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/easterntiger.htm

GREEN
Northern Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Details: This flowerless plant grows fronds (the leafy branch), which are covered in pinnae (the small leaflets). The Northern Lady Fern differs from its cousin to the south by its frond shape. This fern is largest in the middle, whereas the largest part of the Southern Lady Fern is closest to the stem.

My Hood: In the wet woods and swamps of North America, from Saskatchewan to Nebraska and Virginia. It is also found in southern Greenland. Although they love the deciduous forest, this fern can also be found in the Taiga biome of North America and Eurasia.

How I fit in: This fern is extreme adaptable. Without water the Northern Lady fern will shrink and become brittle. However, when water returns, it sprouts new fronds and continues to grow as it did before. This helps it survive any dry spell the deciduous forest might experience through the year. They also are an important food source in the deciduous forest, providing snacks for Grizzly bears and Elk.

http://www.usask.ca/biology/rareplants_sk/root/htm/en/plants-description/athyrium-filix-femina/r-athyrium-filix-femina.php
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/lady_fern.htm

Boughton Cobb, Elizabeth Farnsworth, and Cheryl Lowe Ferns of Northeastern and Central North America. New York: Peterson Field Guides, 2005: Page 85-88

BLUE
Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea)

Details: This short tailed songbird grows only 12cm. Males are bright blue with white and black accents, while females have less blue with some green and pale yellow.

My Hood: This Warbler makes its home in mature deciduous forests from Ontario and Quebec west to Nebraska and Minnesota and southeast to Texas and other Gulf states. It is even found in the Happy Valley Forest, home to the Jefferson Salamander. During migration they cover approximately 2,500 miles to reach their breeding grounds in Northeastern South America.

How I fit in: The Cerulean Warbler spends most of its time in the canopy of the forest, which provides excellent cover from predators. Deforestation poses a big threat to these beautiful birds both in the deciduous forest and their wintering grounds in South America.

http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/risk.php?doc_type=fact&id=124

http://www.eol.org/pages/918951

PURPLE
Liverleaf (Anemone hepatica – previously Hepatica nobilis)

liverleaf, flower — Liverleaf. Photo Credit: Ettore Balocchi

Details: This member of the buttercup family grows violet-blue, white or pinkish flowers. They bloom during February and May. It gets its strange name from the shape and colour of its leaves. These funky leaves are dark green with lobed edges that turn reddish as the plant ages.

My Hood: Found in Canada, U.S., Europe, Asia, and other areas of the Northern Hemisphere.

How I fit in: The Liverleaf spreads its seeds with the help of ants. The seeds have special ant attracting arms called elaiosomes, which are full of nutrients. The ants collect the seeds and take them back to the nest. Once the elaiosome has been eaten, the rest of the seed is thrown away and can begin to grow into a plant in its new home.

http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2008/05/hepatica_nobilis.php

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HENO2

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out what a biome is and the different types that can be found on Earth. Up next: the Tundra!

To find out more about the deciduous biome check out these links:

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Experiments/Biome/biotemperate.php

April Pulley Sayre Temperate Deciduous Forest. Connecticut: Twenty-First Century Books, 1994: Page 5 – 11

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Colours of a Biome: Desert Edition

Earth Rangers

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July 20, 2011

26

Last time on our tour of colourful biomes we looked at the Tropical Rainforest. Today you’ll need to grab your reusable water bottle because we are looking at the colours found in the driest biome, the desert!

Desert biomes cover 20% of the Earth’s surface and they get less than 50cm of rainfall a year. Species that live in this biome not only have to survive dry conditions but also extreme temperature changes. During the day, the desert temperature ranges from 20°C to 38°C, but at night temperatures can drop between -4°C to extremes as cold as -18°C.

RED
Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

Details: Despite its name, not all Red kangaroos are red. In certain areas, the males are red and the females are grey-blue while in other spots, this pattern is reversed. These kangaroos also hold the record for the largest living marsupial. Males can weigh 90kg and when standing upright, they can reach 1.8m. Their tails can grow to 120cm and are so strong that they can use it as a 5th leg to help support their weight.

My Hood: In the deserts and grasslands of Australia. They stick to places without trees or bushes but they always have some shade within hopping distance.

How I fit in: Since they are grazers, they play an important role in controlling the vegetation in the desert biome. Their love of plants also helps them survive in this dry biome. By eating moisture-filled plants, they can delay their need to stop for water.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Macropus_rufus.html

http://www.nature.ca/notebooks/english/kanga.htm

ORANGE
Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)

Details: Although these guys only grow to about 80mm, don’t underestimate their dangerousness. This species is considered the deadliest scorpion in America. Their venom can cause paralysis in healthy adults and can be deadly to small children and the elderly.

My Hood: Throughout Arizona reaching into surrounding states and Sonora, Mexico.

How I fit in: Their orangey brown colour is extremely helpful for hiding – they blend right into the sandy environment of the desert. Their excellent climbing skills also come in handy for hiding in trees and on rocks.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/45899

Manny Rubio Scorpions: Everything About Purchase, Care, Feeding and Housing. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series Inc., 2008: Page 44-45

YELLOW
Brittlebush (Encelia farinose)

Details: This plant can spread outwards, growing up to 150cm. New leaves and stems are tomentose (which means the plant has tiny hairs). The Brittlebush is actually a member of the sunflower family.

My Hood: California to Utah, Arizona and parts of northwest Mexico.

How I fit in: The plant’s hair protects it from the extreme temperatures of the desert. It acts like a blanket at night, trapping the heat. During the day, the sun is reflected and the plant stays cool. These hairs also help to trap moisture so the plant can survive on the little water that is available in this biome.

http://www.eol.org/pages/850167

http://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Brittlebush.php

GREEN
Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)

cactus, sonoran desert, saguaro — Saguaro Cactus

Details: This is perhaps the most distinctive cactus in North America. Its tall stem can grow to be 12-18m and can have over 25 arms. This shape takes many years to form as the Saguaro cactus grows very slowly. With the right conditions it is believed that the Saguaros can live between 150-200 years old!

My Hood: This cactus is only found in the Sonoran Desert, located in Southern Arizona, Southeast California and Sonora Mexico.

How I fit in: The Saguaro cactus is very important for the animals in this environment as its seeds and fruit provide a great food source. Birds also use the Saguaro for nesting by hollowing out parts of its stems.

http://ai.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Saguaro%20Cactus.php

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242412565

BLUE
Desert Larkspur (Delphinium parishii)

Details: This plant’s blue flowers create a beautiful contrast against the browns and yellows of its desert home. It is known to have a strong stem and can grow as tall as 2 feet.

My Hood: It is found in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

How I fit in: The Desert Larkspur is a very adaptable plant that can grow in all kinds of harsh conditions. Other than the desert this plant can also grow in gravel, and even along lava rock on mountains.

Lester Rowntree Hardy Californians: A Woman’s Life with Native Plants. Los Angeles: University of California Press Ltd., 2006: Page 83

Richard Spellenberg Sonoran Desert Wildflowers. Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press, 2003: Page 130

PURPLE
Mojave Aster (Xylorhiza tortifolia)

Details: This plant can grow to be 60-90 cm, tall and wide. The flowers bloom from March to May and sometimes in October. In addition to purple, the flower can also be pink, purple-blue, or white. Similar to Brittlebush, this plant also belongs to the sunflower family.

My Hood: This flowering plant lives in the Mojave and Sonoran Desert of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona

How I fit in: The Mojave Aster is an excellent source of food for insects like Neumoegen’s Checkerspot larvae. They drink its nectar before they change into a butterfly. This plant is also able to survive on very little water, which makes it perfect for the desert.

Janice Emily Bowers Flowers and Shrubs of the Mojave Desert. Tucson: Southwest Parks and Monuments Association, 1998: Page 124

Pam Mackay Mojave Desert Wildflowers. Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press, 2003: Page 45

Mary Irish Perennials for the Southwest: Plants that Flourish in Arid Gardens. Portland: Timber Press, 2006: Pages 291-292

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out what a biome is and the different types that can be found on Earth. Up next: the deciduous forest!

To find out more about the desert biome check out these links:

http://www.untamedscience.com/biology/world-biomes/deserts-biome

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/deserts.php

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Colours of a Biome: Tropical Rainforest Edition

Earth Rangers

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July 12, 2011

28

Colours of a Biome: Tropical Rainforest Edition

We’re looking at biomes unlike you’ve ever seen them before; technicolour style! Better get your shades ready because the tropical rainforest is a brightly coloured place.

Tropical rainforest biomes are found near the equator. These hot and wet places are known for having some of the highest levels of biodiversity on the planet! Although tropical rainforests make up only about 6% of the Earth’s surface, almost half of the world’s plants and animals live among its trees.

RED
Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

Red ginger, red, Alpinia purpurata, plant, flower, ginger, — Red Ginger

Details: This national plant of Samoa grows to 13 feet tall and has oily black seeds. It can be found in several colours – red, pink and white – and has flowers that bloom throughout the year.

My Hood: It is native to islands in the South Pacific, like New Caledonia and the British Solomon Islands.

How I fit in: They can grow in the shade or partial sun and need lots of water. This makes them perfect for the tropical rainforest’s climate.

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-37.pdf

W. Arthur Whistler Tropical Ornamental: a Guide. Portland: Timber Press, 2000: Page 48

ORANGE
Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)

Toco Toucan, Ramphastos toco, orange, bird, beak, tree — Toco Toucan

Details: These colourful birds are the largest members of the toucan family. They also have one of the biggest beaks in the world. Although the beak grows up to 7 ½ inches, it is filled with air pockets, making it very light. In fact, despite making up 1/3 of its total length, the Toco Toucan’s beak only accounts for 1/20 of its total weight.

My Hood: Found throughout North-eastern South America, the Toco Toucan lives in rainforest canopies, savannahs, plantations and other areas with scattered trees.

How I fit in: Toco Toucans favour this hot biome because it is home to the fleshy fruit that they love to eat. Toco Toucans are also built for the rainforest’s climate thanks to a temperature regulating system in their beak that is controlled by changing the flow of blood.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ramphastos_toco.html

http://www.eol.org/pages/1177788

http://www.asknature.org/strategy/1efca39a0abb5ecd20edc6a4fdef8a2a

YELLOW
Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates leucomelas)

Yellow Banded Poison Dart Frog, yellow, black, frog, spots, Dendrobates leucomelas — Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog

Details: This frog is tiny, growing no bigger than a penny. This may seem small to you but this species is actually one of the largest in its genus. What the frog doesn’t have in size, it makes up for in toughness. Its skin is covered in toxins that can pack a powerful punch!

My Hood: They are found around the bottom of wet trees and stones of the forests of Northern South America, especially Venezuela, Guyana, parts of Colombia and Brazil

How I fit in: This species’ bright colour helps warn predators that it is toxic and to keep away.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Dendrobates_leucomelas.html

GREEN
Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus)

Emerald Tree Boa, green, snake, branch, Corallus caninus, stripes, — Emerald Tree Boa

Details: It may surprise you to find out that these bright green serpents aren’t born this colour. As hatchlings, they start out reddish brown before turning green as they mature. These snakes grow to be very big, as an adult they can reach up to 2.2m (7.22ft) long.

My Hood: They live within the forest canopy of the Amazon in South America

How I fit in: The Emerald Tree boa’s appearance is key to its survival. Its green and white colouring helps it hide among the trees while sleeping during the day. At night this camouflage allows the Emerald Tree boa to hide while waiting for unsuspecting animals to become dinner.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Corallus_caninus.html

BLUE
Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides)

blue, butterfly, wings, shiny, rock, insect, morpho — Blue Morpho butterfly with its wings open

Details: This butterfly is one of the largest in the world, with wings that span five to eight inches. Their bright blue wings are also covered in tiny light reflecting scales.

My Hood: You can find them on the forest floor and understory of the rainforest ranging from Colombia to Mexico.

brown, butterfly, tree, insect, morpho, wings — Blue Morpho butterfly with its wings closed

How I fit in: The shiny blue on their wings comes in handy for protection. Blue Morphos will flutter their wings to create flashes of light, which scares away predators. To hide, they can simply close their wings, revealing a dull brown pattern that allows them to blend into their surroundings.

http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/kids/species-profiles/blue-butterfly

PURPLE
Paper Flower (Bougainvillea glabra)

purple, flower, white, plant, bougainvillea glabra — Paper Flower Photo Credit: Carsten Niehaus

Details: These beautiful flowers grow on trees and vines. They can grow to over 30ft or be trimmed down and used for bonsai. Its flowers usually grow in winter and early spring.

My Hood: Paper flowers are native to Brazil but found in other tropical countries.

How I fit in: This plant needs lots of water and sun, both of which can be found in the rainforest biome. It thrives in wet conditions because it does not hold moisture well. It also needs tall plants to cling to so it can grow higher and capture more sunlight.

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/rnfrst_plant_page.htm

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out more about biomes and what types can be found on Earth. Up next: the desert!

To learn more about the rainforest biome check out these links

http://www.untamedscience.com/biology/world-biomes/tropical-rainforests-biome

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/forests.php

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Types of Biomes

Earth Rangers

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July 5, 2011

16

The world is split up into several biomes but scientists just can’t agree on how many, so we are going to look at six major types: Freshwater, Marine, Desert, Forest, Grassland, and Tundra.

Deserts

This biome is the driest; it only receives 50cm of rainfall a year (about 10% of the rainfall in the rainforest). Its plants and animals have to survive in an environment with little water and dramatic temperature changes from day to night. Some animals and plants may find if difficult to adapt, but reptiles and cacti thrive in these conditions.

This biome includes: Hot and dry, Semiarid, Coastal, and Cold deserts

Forests

Forest biomes cover about 1/3 of the Earth’s land surface. They are dominated by trees and contain many different plants and animals. Forests take in the carbon that we exhale and give off the oxygen we breathe in, making them really important to our survival.

This biome includes: Tropical, Deciduous, and Taiga (boreal) forests

Freshwater

Freshwater is water that has a salt level of less than 1%. Most species living in freshwater cannot live in salt water, although there are some exceptions. This biome also plays an important role for life on Earth. It provides drinking water for humans and other animals, it is also vital for plant growth.

This biome includes: Ponds, lakes, Streams, Rivers and Wetlands

Grasslands

It may not surprise you to hear that grasslands are filled with grasses. However, the length of the grass and the number of trees within these biomes vary depending on the amount of rainfall. Since rainfall in the grasslands is lower than rainforest but higher than desert, trees exist, but they are limited to growing near streams and other water sources.

This biome includes: Savanna and Temperate grassland.

Marine

This biome covers more of the Earth’s surface than any other – about 70%. Some areas are so deep that they can contain entire mountains and even volcanoes. Like many of the other biomes on the planet, they play an important role. This biome provides most of the rainwater that comes down from the sky and it is home to some of the planet’s most diverse species.

This biome includes: Oceans, Coral Reefs, and Estuaries

Tundra

This is the coldest of all the biomes and species diversity is limited as a result. In fact, its name comes from the Finnish word tunturi, meaning treeless plain. It receives even less rainfall than most deserts, although it remains wet because the cold temperatures delay water from being evaporated. Plants, such as mosses and lichens, adapt to these frigid conditions by having a shorter growing season.

This biome includes: Arctic and Alpine tundra

Find out more in Introducing Biomes and keep an eye out for the biomes colour edition coming soon to a Wild Wire post near you!

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Experiments/Biome/

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/

If you think animals are amazing, the Earth Rangers Podcast is for you!

Join Earth Ranger Emma as she travels the world on a quest to solve some of nature’s greatest mysteries! With top ten countdowns, animal guessing games and epic animal showdowns, this is a journey you won’t want to miss!

Introducing Biomes

Earth Rangers

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June 29, 2011

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Trips to exotic locations are all the rage these days. People love to pack up and head out to new places to experience something different and unlike anything they’ve seen back home.

Try imagining what it would be like to explore your backyard as someone visiting from a faraway place. Sure you get to see it every day, but what would that old pine tree or black squirrel look like to someone raised in a tropical rainforest or the desert?

Once you’ve returned from your backyard exploration try chewing on this thought, why do different places on the planet have different species living in them? For example, why don’t Canadians wake up to see wild iguanas on their lawns, or why doesn’t a person living in Mexico have a polar bear den in their neighborhood?

It all has to do with BIOMES…

What is a Biome?

Biomes make up all the major communities found on the planet. These communities are organized based on similar plants and animals, climate and geography. Although there is some overlap, most species that live in one biome could not survive in another. For example, a plant that has adapted to life in a cold wet place would not be able to survive in an area that is hot and dry. Biomes are BIG; they are so large that there can be many ecosystems within them. The same type of biome can also be found in many different places around the world, for example there are grasslands in Africa and in North America.

Biome Conservation

Biomes are important because they create homes for all kinds of species. If it were damaged in some way, the plants and animals living there would also be in trouble. Biomes can also affect each other, just like dominoes, the health of one impacts everything outside of it.

How can you befriend a biome? Take action by…growing local plants, starting a walking school bus, reducing your water usage, building habitat and sharing your knowledge of biome protection with friends and family!

Earth Rangers is going to keep diving into the world of biomes and we want YOU to come along. Stay tooned for the next edition, which will look at the different types of biomes on the planet.

While you’re waiting for the next edition take a look at this biome map or scroll on over to these other pages filled with more biome fun.

http://www.untamedscience.com/biology/world-biomes/

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Experiments/Biome/

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

The Arabian Oryx Revival Tour!

Earth Rangers

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June 24, 2011

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When you look at the beautiful Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) does the word unicorn come to mind? Well, believe it or not, this animal has lead to the existence of unicorns! It may seem a little odd, but there is a reason for this nickname. When it is viewed from the side its two horns line up and look like one, thus a unicorn. Aside from possibly being a mystical creature this species is memorable for another reason, they are a conservation success story.

The dark days of near extinction

The Arabian Oryx can only be found on the Arabian Peninsula in an area known as Al Maha. Uncontrolled hunting across Arabia drove them to near extinction and in 1972 it was believed that the last wild Arabian Oryx was shot.

Bring back the Oryx

As the Arabian Oryx was disappearing the last few were captured and brought together with individuals from royal collections in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. From this stock a captive breeding and re-introduction program was launched. In 1982 the first Orxy was set free in Oman and its success showed that a captive animal could adapt to the wild. Through these conservation programs the Arabian Oryx has made a comeback and today there are 1,000 individuals in the wild.

Red List success story

According to the IUCN Red list, which tracks the conservation status of plants and animals, the Arabian Oryx revival has broken a record. The Arabian Oryx was once categorized as “Extinct in the Wild” as their populations bounced back they were moved to “Endangered” then they improved again and jumped to “Vulnerable”. This is the first time that a species once listed as “Extinct in the Wild” has improved in status by three full categories.

All about the Arabian Oryx

This large species of antelope is very regal-looking, so much so that they have been heavily featured in Arabic poetry and paintings.
The Arabian Oryx is especially adapted for living in extremely arid or dry environments. It has wide hooves that help them walk across sand and they can smell water from miles away!
They live in small herds of around 8-10
The Arabian Oryx feeds at dusk, finding tubers that are buried up to a half metre underground.

http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/arabian_oryx_factsheet.pdf

http://www.iucn.org/knowledge/news/?7671/A-grain-of-hope-in-the-desert

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

There is a mushroom in Borneo named after Spongebob Squarepants

Earth Rangers

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June 21, 2011

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There is a mushroom in Borneo named after Spongebob Squarepants

Sing along time…“What lives in the rainforest, under a tree?… Spongiforma squarepantsii….”

There’s a new mushroom in town and it looks like a sea sponge; just like the underwater cartoon hero it’s named after. Spongiforma squarpantisii was discovered in the forests of Borneo, it is bright orange and according to researches it smells kinda fruity and musty.

spongiforma squarepantisii — Spongiforma squarepantisii. Photo Credit: Tom Bruns, Berkely

Mushrooms can be sponges?

Most mushrooms have the classic cap and stem look. With this design the cap keeps the reproductive spores from drying out and the stem lifts it off of the ground to protect it. Our mushroomy SpongeBob takes a different approach; it keeps its spores wet by…well being sponge like. It has big hollow holes, which allows it to absorb small amounts of moisture from the air, keeping it from drying out.

Nameless fungi kingdom.

There are lots of different funguses in the world, but only a small percentage of them have been identified. Researchers estimate that there are anywhere between 1.5 to 3 million fungi species but only 5% of them have been formally named. The fungi kingdom is pretty diverse, with mushrooms only making up a small part of this big group. These mysterious funguses play important roles in ecosystems and learning about them will help us better understand and protect the environment, in short GO TEAM FUNGI

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-06/sfsu-md061511.php

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Top Ten Strangest Looking Fish

Earth Rangers

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June 16, 2011

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#2 Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

sea lamprey mouth and body drow male — Male sea lamprey

Where we live: Oceans and bodies of fresh water, even the Great Lakes where we are an invasive species!

Why we’re strange: Our mouths are permanently open and we use them to attach ourselves to other creatures, like fish. We don’t have a jaw, in fact, we don’t even have any bones – our skeleton is made of cartilage (the stuff your nose is made of).

#3 Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola)

Where we live: In temperate and tropical waters throughout the world.

Why we’re strange: : We may look shinny, but our skin is actually rough like sandpaper. When we are stressed, we can change our skin colour from light to dark. Weighing about 2200 pounds on average, we are the heaviest bony fish in the world. However, we can get even bigger! One of use reached 4927 pounds, which is heavier than 5 Siberian tigers.

#4 Oarfish or King of Herrings (Regalecus glesne)

Where we live: In oceans at depths of 200m to 1000m (almost 2x the length of the CN Tower).

Why we’re strange: We are the longest fish in the world. We usually grow about 8 meters, but some of us have grown as large as 17 meters. When we swim close to the surface, it is a spectacular sight. We are often mistaken for sea serpents and have been the cause of many myths.

#5 Hagfish (Myxinidae)

Where we live: Throughout the temperate oceans of the world, although we prefer colder waters.

Why we’re strange: Our skeleton is made of cartilage (like the Lamprey) and our eyes are hidden under our skin so we are nearly blind. We are most famous for our cocoon of slime, which is one of our defense mechanisms; if a predator tries to bite us, the slime will clog its gills. To get rid of the slime we just tie ourselves in a knot and move it down our body.

#6 Bandtail Sea-Robin (Prionotus Ophryas)

Where we live: Western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico to Venezuela.

Why we’re strange: We have a curved-in head and a broad snout. Our gill rakers act like fingers to sift through the debris on the sea floor and look for food.

#7 Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)

Where we live: North Atlantic Ocean around Greenland, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Canada. We like to swim in places that have rock bottoms.

Why we’re strange: You probably won’t be able to see our most interesting feature because it’s most likely stuck to something. We have a suction disc on the underside of our bodies, which allows us to stick to things like rocks and walls.

#8 Common Stargazer (Kathetostoma laeve)

Where we live: Around Australia and Tasmania especially in shallow estuaries and bays with sandy floors.

Why we’re strange: We spend most of our lives buried under the sand. When a fish swims by that we might want to eat, we lunge out of our hiding spot and catch them.

#9 Spearnose chimaera (Rhinochimaera atlantica)

Where we live: Close to the ocean floor at the bottom of continental slopes in the Atlantic Ocean.

Why we’re strange: We are light brown and have long snouts. From nose to tail, we measure about 140cm. You will know our eggs when you see them because they are hard and spiky.

#10 Diamond Lizardfish(Synodus synodus)

Where we live: We usually live in shallow water and reefs. Sometimes we venture out into deeper areas near Europe, the Gulf of Maine, Mexico, as well as the Northwest Atlantic.

Why we’re strange: We get our name from the shape of our body, which is round and long. Like all lizardfish, we have many sharp teeth, even on our tongue and the roof of our mouth.

Count down through some of the planet’s funkiest looking fish. When you’re done counting be sure to comment to tell us which one you think is the strangest fish of all.

#1 Bearded ghoul (Inimicus didactylus)

Where we live: Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Oceans, especially around China, Philippines, Northern Australia, and the Andaman Islands.

Why we’re strange: Our skin looks like it is covered in warts but it is actually just our skin glands. Using our fins we can walk along the sea floor. Bearded ghouls also like to hide under mud or in coral reefs, waiting for supper to swim by.

#2 Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

Male sea lamprey

Where we live: Oceans and bodies of fresh water, even the Great Lakes where we are an invasive species!

Why we’re strange: Our mouths are permanently open and we use them to attach ourselves to other creatures, like fish. We don’t have a jaw, in fact, we don’t even have any bones – our skeleton is made of cartilage (the stuff your nose is made of).

Smartest Birds in Class

Earth Rangers

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June 15, 2011

31

Two of the smartest birds in the world are the Kea (Nestor notabilis), a New Zealand parrot, and the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides). These birds regularly wow researchers with their intelligence and ability to solve problems. For example, both of these birds are highly skilled at using tools. The New Caledonia crow makes and uses things like sticks and pieces of leaves to get grubs from tree bark. The Kea, although not known for using tools in the wild, has proven its ability to use them in research studies.

parrot using tool — Parrot Kea uses a ball shaped tool at the Multi Access Box. Photo credit: Alice Auersperg

Testing a bird’s IQ

So how do you test the smarts of a bird? Researchers in the Cognitive Biology Department of the University of Vienna came up with a sneaky plan to challenge these feathery friends. Each bird was presented with a clear box that had a treat visible from the outside. The bird was offered four different methods to get to the treat. It could pull a string, pull a hook-shaped lever to open a window, insert a compact tool into a path or insert a rod-shaped stick into an opening. The tricky thing is that once a bird mastered a technique for getting the treat that path would no longer work. If the bird wanted to keep getting treats, it would have to figure out a different way to get to the food reward.

new caledonian crow using crow — New Caledonian crow "Uek" uses the window entrance at the Multi Access Box.. Photo credit: Alice Auersperg

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-06/uov-ctu061011.php

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Earth Rangers

Earth Rangers

RED Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

ORANGE Yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris)

YELLOW Arctic Bumblebee (Bombus polaris)

GREEN Northern Grasshopper (Melanoplus borealis)

BLUE Spring Gentian (Gentiana Verna)

PURPLE Purple Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out what a biome is and the different types that can be found on Earth. Up next: the Taiga Forest!!

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

RED European Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

ORANGE Weeping Milk Cap (Lactarius volemus)

YELLOW Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

GREEN Northern Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

BLUE Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea)

PURPLE Liverleaf (Anemone hepatica – previously Hepatica nobilis)

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out what a biome is and the different types that can be found on Earth. Up next: the Tundra!

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

RED Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

ORANGE Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)

YELLOW Brittlebush (Encelia farinose)

GREEN Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)

BLUE Desert Larkspur (Delphinium parishii)

PURPLE Mojave Aster (Xylorhiza tortifolia)

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out what a biome is and the different types that can be found on Earth. Up next: the deciduous forest!

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

RED Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

ORANGE Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)

YELLOW Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates leucomelas)

GREEN Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus)

BLUE Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides)

PURPLE Paper Flower (Bougainvillea glabra)

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out more about biomes and what types can be found on Earth. Up next: the desert! To learn more about the rainforest biome check out these links

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Forests

If you think animals are amazing, the Earth Rangers Podcast is for you!

What is a Biome?

Biome Conservation

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

The dark days of near extinction

Bring back the Oryx

Red List success story

All about the Arabian Oryx

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Mushrooms can be sponges?

Nameless fungi kingdom.

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

#2 Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

#3 Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola)

#4 Oarfish or King of Herrings (Regalecus glesne)

#5 Hagfish (Myxinidae)

#6 Bandtail Sea-Robin (Prionotus Ophryas)

#7 Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)

#8 Common Stargazer (Kathetostoma laeve)

#9 Spearnose chimaera (Rhinochimaera atlantica)

#10 Diamond Lizardfish(Synodus synodus)

#1 Bearded ghoul (Inimicus didactylus)

#2 Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

Testing a bird’s IQ

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

RED
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

ORANGE
Yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris)

YELLOW
Arctic Bumblebee (Bombus polaris)

GREEN
Northern Grasshopper (Melanoplus borealis)

BLUE
Spring Gentian (Gentiana Verna)

PURPLE
Purple Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)

RED
European Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

ORANGE
Weeping Milk Cap (Lactarius volemus)

YELLOW
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

GREEN
Northern Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

BLUE
Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea)

PURPLE
Liverleaf (Anemone hepatica – previously Hepatica nobilis)

RED
Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

ORANGE
Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)

YELLOW
Brittlebush (Encelia farinose)

GREEN
Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)

BLUE
Desert Larkspur (Delphinium parishii)

PURPLE
Mojave Aster (Xylorhiza tortifolia)

RED
Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

ORANGE
Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)

YELLOW
Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates leucomelas)

GREEN
Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus)

BLUE
Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides)

PURPLE
Paper Flower (Bougainvillea glabra)

More splashes of colourful biomes are coming your way soon. In the meantime, find out more about biomes and what types can be found on Earth. Up next: the desert!

To learn more about the rainforest biome check out these links