Living way down south, past the tropical parts of the globe and deep in the freezing cold waters of Antarctica, are some pretty amazing fish. Temperatures of -1.8°C should be enough to freeze a fish, but species in Antarctica avoid this fate of becoming a fish-icicle. These fish have an antifreeze protein, called antifreeze glycoprotein (or AFGP) that prevents their body fluids from freezing. These natural antifreeze proteins are not only fascinating because they help fish live in icy waters they could also help humans tackle the tough challenge of frost burnt frozen food. But don’t go running to the frozen food section of the grocery store just yet, there is still a lot more research that needs to be done before you can find fish antifreeze protein in your ice cream!
During the cold winter months many of Canada’s birds travel south to warmer climates – many, but not all…There are some birds that stay right where they are, surviving through the bitter cold and gusty winds of the great Canadian winter! The Gray Jay is one of these incredible birds that stick around all year long.
Photo Credit: Dan Strickland
Gray Jays laugh in the face of winter. Not only do they stay in the boreal forest throughout the year, they actually start to breed during February, when temperatures are below freezing.
But how can they survive in temperatures that other birds fly far to get away from? That’s where the trees save the day; the forest helps this bird thrive throughout the winter. During the summer and fall, Gray Jays stock up on berries, fungi, insects and other bird snacks and hide them in tree crevices throughout the forest. Then, when winter comes around, Gray Jays have lots of food to eat. Coniferous trees are the best because they have special antibacterial properties that make food last longer.
The boreal forest is important for tons of different animals that call this area home. Now that you know Gray Jays use these trees as their personal refrigerator we have another great reason to protect this forest.
Put away the jack-o-lantern carving and the spooktacular costume planning for a second because it is time for a very special Top Ten. This countdown is filled with plants that put the orange, black, freaky and frightening back into Halloween.
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
Deadly Nightshade. Photo Credit: wildlifegardena
Fact: This plant is a member of the same family as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers. This may not seem like a scary family of plants but the Deadly Nightshade also has some very poisonous relatives like Herbane, Jimsonweed and European Mandrake.
How it reminds us of Halloween: In the Middle Ages, Deadly Nightshade was believed to be the devil’s favourite plant. Witches and Sorcerers would use the plant’s juices in many of their ointments and brews. Even though this plant has been used in medicine be sure to stay away, it is so toxic that even touching it can poison you!
Claire Kowalchik, William H. Hylton and Anna Carr Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, Inc., 1987: 158-159
Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea louisianica)
Devil's Claws Seed Pods. Photo Credit: Susan E AdamsDevil's Claws. Photo Credit: Kibuyu
Fact: This plant shares its scientific name with an unlikely species– proboscidea is also an order of elephants! Proboscidea comes from the word proboscis, which means trunk or horn.
How it reminds us of Halloween: As this plant matures, its seed pods dry out and turn grey or brown. Eventually the pods split down the middle and begin to look like sharp hooks (or horns). Imagine having one of those stuck to you. Scary! Plus, it probably doesn’t help that it’s named after the devil…
Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross, Bizarre Botanicals. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc., 2010: 184-185
Wolfsbane (Aconitum)
Wolfsbane. Photo Credit: Randi Hausken
Fact: Some wolfsbane species are used in traditional medicines, while others are extremely toxic and can be deadly.
How it reminds us of Halloween: Wolfsbane has long been associated with werewolves. In most stories, wolfsbane has been known to keep werewolves away. However, if you ask the writer of Harry Potter, it also prevents a person from turning into a werewolf during a full moon. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=100300
Purple Devil (Solanum atropurpureum)
Purple Devil. Photo Credit: Carstor
Fact: This relative of the Deadly Nightshade makes a very good barrier hedge. It’s not a big surprise that if you plant a few purple devils around your yard, unwanted visitors will stay away!
How it reminds us of Halloween: What’s Halloween without a few spikes? The sight of the Purple Devil’s deadly spikes would certainly make us jump in the night.
Scott D. Appell Brooklyn Botanic Garden All-Region Guides: Annuals for Every Garden. Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc., 2003: Page 35
Chinese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi)
Young Chinese Lantern. Photo Credit: H ZellMature Chinese Lantern. Photo Credit: Rasbak
Fact: Chinese Lanterns produce edible berries, which have been used in medicine to reduce fevers.
How it reminds us of Halloween: The bright orange berries of the Chinese Lanterns are protected by an orange covering that looks a little like a pumpkin. Once this cover begins to waste away it leaves behind a skeleton that looks like a spooky cage trapping the berry. http://eol.org/pages/581063/details
Cockscomb (Celosia cristata)
Cockscomb. Photo Credit: Liz West
Fact: Although all members of the Celosia genus have fuzzy flowers, the waviness of the cockscomb’s flowers is pretty unique. It is caused by fasciation, which develops due to infections, certain insects or growing mutations. This isn’t just a cockscomb’s problem – any other plant can develop this way.
How it reminds us of Halloween: It may be just us, but this flowering plant looks a lot like a fuzzy brain, especially when the flower is yellow. This plant would make a perfect treat for Zombies. Yum! Brains!
Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross, Bizarre Botanicals. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc., 2010: 172-173
H. Peter Loewer, Jefferson’s Garden. Mechanicburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2004: Page 63
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Silhouette of Witch Hazel. Photo Credit: BelgianchocolateWitch Hazel. Photo Credit: London Looks
Fact: Not only is this plant interesting because it blooms in the fall, it also has some pretty cool seed pods. When the seeds are ready, the pods pop and the seeds shoot outwards. In fact, this pop is so powerful that you can actually hear it!
How it reminds us of Halloween: Witch Hazel plants produce thin yellow petals that look wild and stringy. Take a look at its silhouette and you’ll know what we mean. Very creepy! http://eol.org/pages/589817/details
Doll’s eyes (Actaea pachypoda)
Doll's Eyes. Photo Credit: beautifulcatayaClose up of Doll's Eyes. Photo Credit: Diane Cordell
Fact: This plant is pretty toxic so most herbivores avoid them. However, birds appear to be immune. By carrying the berries, birds help spread the Doll’s eyes’ seeds to new places.
How it reminds us of Halloween: This plant is named after its white berries, which look like old-fashioned china doll eyes. Sure, they are berries, but we wouldn’t want to be walking alone in a forest filled with doll’s eyes on a scary night. Hundreds of little eyes watching you? Ah…no thank you! http://eol.org/pages/595010/details
Fact: Dracula orchids smell like mushrooms and look a little like them too (the “tongue”). This is done on purpose to trick fruit flies that pollinate mushrooms into pollinating them as well.
Fact: This plant has a symbiotic (both benefit) or parasitic (Ghost plant benefits at the other’s expense) relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. It can only exist where this fungi is present, which makes it very difficult to grow in gardens.
How it reminds us of Halloween: This plant’s name is very fitting. Not only are Ghost plants white but they also live in the dark. Unlike most plants, they don’t rely on light (photosynthesis) to grow. All that time in the dark is awfully ghostly. http://eol.org/pages/583541/details
EXTRA Octopus Stinkhorn (Clathrus archeri)
Octopus Stinkhorn. Photo Credit: Francois Van der Biest
Yes, yes, yes, we know – this is a fungus and doesn’t belong on a plant list. But that’s why it’s a bonus. Fact: According to some brave souls, the Octopus Stinkhorn is edible in its egg stage. However, it is not something we would recommend. Apparently, the taste and texture isn’t really appealing.
How it reminds us of Halloween: The octopus stinkhorn looks like something out of a horror tale. It “hatches” from eggs and grows four to eight tentacles. On top of that, it has a stinky gleba (flesh) that smells like decaying flesh…gross. http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Clathrus-archeri.htm
Have you stumbled across other spooky plants? Tell us about it in the comments section and let us know why this plant reminds you of Halloween.
If you come across a young Bleeding Tooth fungus (Hydnellum peckii) you might be surprised by its appearance. Oozing out of pores on the top of this fungus is a gooey red liquid. Although you may think it has been damaged or hurt, don’t worry because it isn’t really bleeding.
Young Bleeding Tooth Fungus. Photo Credit: Alan RockefellerMature Bleeding Tooth Fungus. Photo Credit: Ryane Snow
The red liquid that seeps out of the top of the Bleeding Tooth fungus is perfectly normal. This red sap emerges from the fungus because of high root pressure, something known as guttation. As the fungus grows older, the pressure eases and the Bleeding Tooth fungus will turn brown.
There are over 150 species of Sundews (Drosera) found around the world. These plants typically live in bogs and they have a special quality that makes them OMG worthy: they are carnivorous.
Close up of the hairs on a round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). Photo Credit: Petr Dlouhý
Sundews live off the insects that they trap in their hairs. These long hairs produce sticky goo that when an insect touches them, it will get stuck! Once the plant senses that it has trapped some prey, it rolls up the edges of its leaves and slowly releases digestive juices. The insect starts to decompose and the Sundew gets a tasty snack.
On average, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are 7m, but some have been recorded as long as 20m (that’s over 65ft long). They have 300 tiny teeth and can open their mouths almost as wide as their bodies.
Whale Shark. Photo Credit: Justin HenryInside this giant mouth, there are about 300 tiny teeth. Photo Credit: KAZ2.0
Don’t let its size scare you! These sharks are one of three species of filter feeding sharks. This means they don’t go after humans, just plankton, jellyfish, and small fish.
We are off from the Grassland’s flat fields and heading to our final stop on this Biome tour and boy is it ever wet and salty here!
The Marine Biome contains all water bodies not included in the Freshwater Biome. These bodies of water have a salt concentration higher than 1%. As you probably guessed, this is a lot of water! In fact, it covers about ¾ of the Earth’s surface. Although all of this water is salty there are still tons of differences between them. Some Marine areas can be shallow like the coral reefs, deep like the oceans, or link freshwater to the ocean, which are called estuaries.
The Marine Biome is vital to the health of species in many other biomes – evaporation of its waters produces rain and much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed by this biome’s marine algae.
RED Fire Shrimp or Blood Shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
Fire Shrimp. Photo Credit: Haplochromis
Details: What colour comes to mind with the words “fire” and “blood”? RED! Oh boy is this shrimp red! White is the only other colour found on its body, which is located on four pairs of polka dots, its legs and antennae.
My Hood: This shrimp is found in the Indo-Pacific Oceans from Japan to the Maldives and the Society Islands. You can find it at depths of 20m and below, but look carefully because it might be hiding.
How I fit in: A fire shrimp forms bonds with members of its species. They and can even tell these individuals apart from other Fire Shrimps. When they need to, they will defend their territory but generally they aren’t very aggressive. In fact, they aren’t just friendly to small fish, they are actually important for their health. The shrimp eats the parasites and dead tissue from the fish. The fish is cleaned and the fire shrimp has a tasty snack!
Helmut Debelius and Hans A. Baensch, Marine Atlas: The Joint Aquarium Care of Invertebrates and Tropical Marine Fishes. Brighton: Steven Simpson Books, 1994: Page 474
John H. Tullock, Clownfishes and Sea Anemones. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, 1998: Page 59
John H. Tullock, Bring Me Home! Saltwater Aquariums Make a Great Hobby. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing Inc., 2006: Page 123
J Emmett Duffy and Martin Thiel, Evolutionary Ecology of Social and Sexual Systems: Crustaceans as Model Orangisms. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2007: Page 133
ORANGE Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Ocellaris Clownfish. Photo Credit: Metatron
Details: Ocellaris Clownfish grow up to 110mm long and have three white bands that wrap around their body. They usually range in colour from orange to reddish-brown, but some, found in Northern Australia, are black. Due to their similar appearances, Ocellaris is often confused with the True Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) but there are some differences. The Ocellaris has thinner black lines, more dorsal spines, and bigger eyes than their cousins.
Ocellaris Clownfish being protected by Heteractis magnifica. Photo Credit: Nick Hobgood
My Hood: In the coral reefs and lagoons of Asia and Australia. They are found close to three species of anemones: Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantean, and Stichodactyla mertensii.
How I fit in: Ocellaris choose to make their homes in anemones and develop immunity to its stings by rubbing their bellies and fins on the anemone’s tentacles. These clownfish are in a symbiotic relationship with the anemones, which means that both species benefit. Ocellaris receive shelter and protection for their nests, while anemones thrive when they have a host fish, like Ocellaris.
YELLOW Leafy Seadragon or Glauert’s seadragon (Phycodurus eques)
Leafy Seadragon
Details: Leafy Seadragons have long toothless snouts, hard boney plates surrounding their bodies, and usually measure 30-35cm. Their colours vary with location, diet, and age. Those living in shallow water are yellow-brown to green, while those found in deep water are dark brown to red.
My Hood: They live in the clear waters off Australia’s southern coast in areas with low light and lots of vegetation.
How I fit in: With leafy appendages and slow movements, this seadragon blends perfectly into seaweed beds, allowing it to hunt undetected. Since it doesn’t have a stomach or teeth, it is constantly searching for food. When prey is spotted, these seadragons suck them up, eating it whole by expanding its lower jaw. If camouflage fails and predators spot them, they can use their sharp spines as a defense.
GREEN Sailors’ Eyeballs or Bubble Algae (Valonia ventricosa)
Sailors’ Eyeballs. Photo Credit: Kin0be
Details: Sailors’ Eyeballs are round, dark green and one of the largest single celled creatures in the world. Their size varies with location: from the size of a grape in Florida to a small hen’s egg in the West Indies.
My Hood: They can be found in most shallow salt waters around the world. They grow on rocks and ledges, but will often break loose and wash up on beaches.
How I fit in: It may be hard to see them at first, they can be very small and dormant, but once they start growing, they can pop up all over the place. Better think twice before attempting to remove them because they can burst very easily, shooting out thousands of spores through the water and spreading more algae. This can be bad for the ecosystems because these algae can outgrow the native organisms, like coral, and cause them to die.
Charles James Hillson, Seaweeds: A Color-Coded, Illustrated Guide to Common Marine Plants of the East Coast of the United States. Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania State University, 1977: Page 62
Douglas G. Capone, Nitrogen in the Marine Environment. Burlington MA: Elsevier Inc., 2008: Click here!
BLUE Regal Tang or Palette Surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus)
Regal Tang. Photo Credit: Marcin Lachowicz
Details: Regal Tangs can measure 12-38cm but usually they are 25-31cm. They have vibrant blue bodies accented with dark stripes and yellow tails.
My Hood: They are native to reefs with swift currents in the Indian and Pacific oceans, but have been introduced elsewhere.
How I fit in: When they are threatened, Regal Tangs hide between the branches of Cauliflower Corals. If they are spotted, they lie on their side hoping that predators will mistake them for a dead fish. If this still doesn’t work, they have sharp toxic spines that they can use against their predators. It also helps that Regal Tangs like to hang out as a group so when one is under attack they will all come together for protection. Regal Tangs also provide a service for other fish. When they are stressed, the blue on their body becomes darker, informing everyone around them that danger is near!
California Purple Sea Urchin. Photo Credit: David Monniaux
Details: Purple Sea Urchins are green when they are young and turn purple with age. They have a round inner shell covered with pincers, large spines and tube feet. Their feet not only allow them to move, they also use them for breathing because urchins don’t have gills or lungs. Adults can grow up to 7cm across.
My Hood: These urchins live close to the shore from Vancouver Island to Isla Cedra Baja California.
How I fit in: Purple sea urchins protect themselves from predators by hiding under shells, rocks and algae. If they are spotted, they can defend themselves with pincers or by make an escape to a safer place. When it is time for the Urchin to eat, they capture food by creating water currents using their tiny hairs. Too many urchins in one spot can be detrimental to an area’s vegetation – they can destroy entire kelp forests. However, their presence isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When water is polluted, they show signs quickly, allowing people to clean it up and prevent other species from getting sick.
Missed one of the articles or just want to explore them again? Check out the types of biomes for the full list.
With this, our exploration into the world of biomes and its colourful species has come to an end. But fear not! If you found this topic interesting, check out Earth Rangers’ Daily Dose of Biodiversity Basics. There are enough biodiversity facts to satisfy even the hungriest of environmental minds!
The world is filled with beautiful plants and animals. From the United States to Kyrgyzstan, this is a list of ten areas around the world that have biodiversity protection in mind.
#1 Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Where: Southwest Sri Lanka
When: Established between 1875 and the early 20th Century. It became a Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988.
Highlights: This Reserve has 50% of Sri Lanka’s remaining lowland rainforest vegetation with a ton of endemic species (which means belonging to or native to the area). These include 143 trees and woody climbers, 21 bird species as well as several mammals and butterflies.
Did you know?… “Sinharaja” literally means lion king and the area is often the setting of local legends.
When: Created in 1890, which makes it one of the world’s first official national parks.
Highlights: Mountains, valleys and at least 9 waterfalls including the tallest in North America (Yosemite Falls). You will also find over 300 animal species and over 1500 plants, including the Giant Sequoias.
Did you know?… Yosemite National Park was originally created to protect the highlands from the damaging affects of grazing sheep. It has since served as an example for the formation of many other national parks.
Where: At “Roof of Hokkaido,” an area at the centre of the island of Hokkaido, Japan
When: Established in 1934
Highlights: Subarctic lakes and waterfalls along high mountains, not to mention a smoking volcano or two. There are rare butterflies and insects within mixed forests, as well as bears and deer. One of the most interesting animals is the Pika, a small mouse-like mammal.
Did you know?… It is the largest national park in Japan and “Daisetsuzan” means Great Snowy Mountains.
Where: A group of islands in the Pacific Ocean beside Ecuador
When: Created in 1936, it became a Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and a Marine Reserve in 1986.
Highlights:Numerous islands, rock walls and sandy beaches surrounded by close to 560 plant species! There are 175 endemic plants and almost 5000 fauna species. All the reptiles in this park are endemic except for two tortoises.
Did you know?… The Islands were formed by a series of volcanic eruptions. Perhaps most famously, the island’s biodiversity played a vital role in the development of the theory of evolution. Thanks Darwin!
Fiordland National Park New Zealand. Photo credit: Marc Mann
Where: Southwestern New Zealand on the South Island
When: Founded in 1952, it became a World Heritage Area in 1986 as part of Te Wāhipounamu
Highlights: Many small islands with mountains, frozen rivers and lakes with forests and grasslands. Within its borders there are over 700 endemic plant species and many animals and birds. This Park is also home to the Kakapo and the Takahe (a bird that was thought to be extinct before being rediscovered in 1948).
Did you know?… Fiordland is the largest national park in New Zealand
When: In 1952 it became a strict nature reserve, in 1998 it was turned into a park and became open to the public.
Highlights: Within the Park’s mountains there are over 300 species of Pteridophytes, non-flowering plants like ferns, including six that are endemic to the area. There are also over 300 different animal species.
Did you know?… Silky Sifaka, a lemur that lives in the park, is one of the rarest animals in the world.
When: Created in 1974, it became a Biosphere Reserve in 1977
Highlights: The land is covered in ice and there are fjords (formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley) throughout the area. Due to the cold climate, animal and plant life is limited. In the south, some traditional hunting communities still exist.
Did you know?…It is the most northern and largest national park in the world, taking up almost one quarter of the island’s land surface. In case you’re wondering, Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Where: The island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands
When: Established in 1974 and distinguished as a Biosphere Reserve in 1993
Highlights: The history of volcanic eruptions in this area has created a barren land with few plants and animals. There are 20 plants that are endemic on the island and most of these are shrubs.
Did you know?… The park was originally created to protect the volcanic landscape from the affects of tourists. Also, the volcanoes on the island are still active and some people cook food using its heat.
Highlights: Large glaciers, over 50 mountain peaks with several valleys, canyons, and gorges. There are also 800 plant species and over 300 animal species.
Did you know?…Tien Shan Mountains are part of the Great Silk Road, which stretches from Europe to Asia. The Great Silk Road was the main route for communication and trade in the area up until the 16th century.
Trail in La Amistad. Photo credit: Dirk Van der Made
Where: Cordillera De Talamanca Mountains that runs through Panama and Costa Rica
When: Established in 1982 in Costa Rica and 1988 in Panama, it became a Biosphere Reserve in 1983
Highlights: Tropical rainforests and mountainous with 180 plants and over 60 animal species endemic to the area. Of the 850 birds that live in Panama, 550-600 can be found in La Amistad.
Did you know?… Its Mountains are the highest and largest area of undisturbed cloud forest in Central America. It is also the destination of 75% of all the migratory birds of the Western Hemisphere during migration.
After exploring the underwater world of the Freshwater Biome we can catch our breaths as we take a look at a grassy biome.
Not surprisingly, the Grassland Biome is dominated by grass! There are all kinds of grasses, both short and tall. The height of these grasses is so different because some get more rainfall than others. At times it may seem like the rain will never end, but then the dry season comes. During this time, the biome can get so dry that fires can be quite common. These fires may seem like a terrible thing, but don’t worry, they are vital to the Grassland’s wildlife. The fires burn away the dead plants and debris and once the rainy season returns new buds can grow.
RED Red Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum syspila)
Red Milksnake
Details: Red milksnakes usually grow to 76cm, but they can exceed 91cm (over 3 feet). Notice how the red markings on the snake pictured above stop part way down its body. This saddle pattern is how you can tell the Red milksnake from other members of its species, whose bodies are lined with rings.
My Hood: Found in the central U.S., from Indiana and Kentucky to South Dakota and Oklahoma. Red milksnakes live in areas where rodents and amphibians are plentiful. This includes open woodlands, grassy hills and streams. They also do well in savanna habitats.
How I fit in: Red milksnakes like to stay out of sight – they will hide under rocks and even burrow if the soil is loose enough. When they spot something tasty, this powerful constrictor emerges from hiding to wrap its body around its prey. It squeezes its prey to death then swallows it whole. Although harmless to humans, they are often mistaken for the poisonous coral snake because they have similar colour patterns.
Ronald G. Markel and Richard D. Bartlett, Kingsnakes and Milksnakes: A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series Inc., 1995: Page 68
Richard D. Bartlett, Patricia Pope Bartlett, and Fredric L. Frye, Terrarium and Cage Construction and Care. Hauppauge NY: Barron’s Educational Series Inc., 1999: Page 50-51
ORANGE Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly weed. Photo Credit: Sage Ross
Details: This species of milkweed grows 45-76cm tall and 45-61cm wide with leaves that measure 5-15cm. Each flower it produces has 5 petals, ranging in colour from pale yellow to bright red. These flowers grow in clusters of 20 or more.
My Hood: Found in Eastern North America, this plant loves the sun. It grows in places where it can have full access to sunlight like prairies, open woodlands and even along roadways.
How I fit in: Butterfly Weed serves as a good food source for butterflies, caterpillars and hummingbirds but it has a special relationship with the Monarch butterfly. Although it produces a milky sap that is poisonous to many species, it is a tasty snack for the Monarch caterpillar. Eating this plant causes the caterpillar’s skin to taste bad, which reduces the likelihood that it will be eaten. Since animals rarely ingest this plant, it also provides protection for the Monarchs’ eggs.
Details: The Golden jackal can grow 70-85cm long, 40cm tall and weigh 8-10kg (17-22lbs). Their yellow fur is short and coarse, and changes shade depending on its location and time of the year. For example, during the rainy season those living on the Serengeti Plains have yellow fur with brown tips but during the dry season they are pale gold.
My Hood: These jackals live in savannas and grasslands with short grasses in North and East Africa, South-eastern Europe and parts of South Asia.
How I fit in: Families of Golden jackals are ruled by two parents who get help raising the young from 1 or 2 other adults known as helpers. These helpers protect the babies while the parents are hunting. They also bring food for the nursing mother. Since these helpers look after the cubs, both parents can go hunting. With two jackals on patrol, their likelihood of catching food increases. You know what they say…two jackals hunting are better than one!
GREEN Elephant Grass or Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
Elephant Grass. Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr
Details: Elephant grass can grow to enormous heights – from over 2m (6.7ft) to 7.5m (24.6ft). Its diameter is 3cm at its base and its roots can grow 4.5m (about 15ft) deep.
My Hood: Native to the Eastern and Western coasts of Africa, they grow in fertile soil along rivers and at the edge of forests. They also thrive in other tropical and subtropical countries where they have been introduced.
How I fit in: The Elephant grass’ deep root system is extremely important for its survival in this biome. During the dry season these long roots reach deep into the moist soil, which prevents it from drying out when there is little rain. Elephant Grass also plays an important role as a food source, providing a tasty snack for grazing animals.
Details: The male Mountain bluebird has striking blue plumage that fades to white under its breast. The female of this species also sports some of this blue, but they are mostly grey and brown. These birds spend their winters in flocks with Western bluebirds and sparrows.
Female Mountain Bluebird. Photo Credit: Linda Tanner
My Hood: Mountain bluebirds make their homes in the sparsely treed grasslands of Western North America.
How I fit in: These bluebirds can be found further North than many other birds during the winter. They have been spotted in Northern Alaska but are only able to survive in this weather for a short period of time. They belong to the Thrush Family, like the American robin, but are different from their relatives in several ways. Unlike other thrushes, for example, these birds hover above the ground looking for food, much like a hawk. Mountain bluebirds eat mostly insects and fruit and have a bad reputation for being aggressive. They have been known to compete for nest boxes with each other and other species of bluebirds.
Purple-crowned Fairy Wren. Photo Credit: Tom Tarrant
Details: These small birds grow to 14cm, have a 16cm wingspan and weigh 9-13g. Its most eye-catching feature is the bright purple heads of breeding males. When not breeding, the purple is replaced with brown but the dark mask around its eyes remains.
My Hood: Found only in Australia, this bird thrives in the thick vegetation and dense grass areas along the rivers of the savanna in the North and West.
How I fit in: Although these birds forage by themselves, they are always within calling distance of a larger group. They protect their territories by singing, warning other fairy-wren that they will be attacked if they come any closer. This Fairy-Wren makes its home in thickets. These thickets are covered with thorns which help protect this purple-crowned bird’s nests from predators.
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 Marine Biome!
To find out more about the grassland biome check out these links:
We are heading out from the Taiga’s pines and plunging into one of the most overlooked biomes. I hope you brought your waterproof shoes because things are about to get a whole lot wetter!
It’s easy to figure out if an area is freshwater, all you have to do is measure its salt concentration: if it is less than 1%, you have freshwater! The salt levels of water not only affect its taste, but also the types of plant and animal life it can carry. For example, species that are used to living in freshwater bodies (ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands) would not be able to survive in the oceans and coral reefs, where the salt levels are much higher.
RED Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Sockeye Salmon in their Freshwater Stage
Details: Sockeye are born into freshwater, but as they grow older, they make their way out to sea. After at least 2 years, they return to the freshwater where they spawn (mate) before reaching the end of their life. Adults can grow to 86cm averaging around 8 pounds.
My Hood: Sockeye live in freshwater and saltwater bodies along the Pacific coast of North America and Asia.
How I fit in: To survive the change from freshwater to seawater, sockeye’s gills and kidneys have to develop so they can process the salt efficiently. To help them blend into the environment in the sea, Sockeye salmon also have to change colour. The vertical bars and spots on their body that camouflage them in the freshwater disappear as they head for the ocean. On their way back to the freshwater they change colour again to show they are ready to mate. In this final stage they change their body to a bright red colour and their head a dull green.
Details: Dwarf crayfish have a strong shell that protects them from predators. However, when molting, their shell becomes very weak. During this time, they are very vulnerable and often stay hidden out of sight. These dwarf crayfish aren’t very big – they grow to less than 4cm long.
My Hood: Not surprisingly, the Mexican dwarf crayfish is native to Mexico. It is found in Michoacan’s Lake Patzcuaro but has also been spotted in the springs of Chapultepec, Opopeo, and Tzurumutaro.
How I fit in: The picture above shows an orange Mexican Dwarf Crayfish. Although this colouration may be seen in crayfish raised in captivity, it is rarely seen in the wild. The bright colour would make it easy for predators to spot them, putting them in danger. In the wild, they are more often tan, brown or rust. Unfortunately, they are threatened by habitat destruction from deforestation and water pollution caused by such things as the dumping of raw sewage.
Details: Although not as large as their green cousins, these snakes still get pretty big! On average, they grow about 3-4m long and weigh about 66lbs, but some have been recorded reaching 4.6m and 88lbs. Females tend to be larger than males, but all Yellow anacondas are big enough that they have few natural predators.
My Hood: In the swamps and marshlands of South America especially Paraguay, Southern Brazil, Northeaster Argentina, and Bolivia. Sometimes they visit forests when looking for large game to eat.
How I fit in: These yellowy-green snakes have black/brown bands that wrap around their bodies. This makes it easy for them to blend into murky water and forest vegetation. As a top predator this species has an important role in this biome, helping to keep the populations of its prey under control. They are also very adaptable. During droughts they find wet caves to live in and in heavy rainfall, they travel to flooded areas to hunt aquatic animals.
Details: Hydrillas are aquatic plants that grow up from the bottom of lakes. They tend to grow 2m tall, but some have been recorded reaching 7.5m. They cover the surface and can affect the water chemistry, zooplankton, fish populations, and other plants.
My Hood: Native to Africa, Australia, and Asia but was introduced to Florida in the 1960s and has since spread. It was also found in Esthwaite Tarn (a lake) in Britain, but was last seen in 1941.
Hydrilla. Photo Credit: J. M. Garg
How I fit in: This invasive plant has several advantages over other aquatic plants: it requires less light to grow and it is more efficient in absorbing nutrients. They also produce buds known as turions and tubers. Turions are dropped from the stem, while tubers are found at the roots. One square meter of Hyrillas can make 5000 tubers, which can produce new plants for more than 4 years. These buds can survive freezing, drying, herbicides, and even ingestion and regurgitation by birds. During the winter, hydrillas die back but with the help of tubers and turions sprout new shoots in the spring.
Details: Blue-spotted salamanders have dark blue or black skin covered in bluish-white spots. They can easily be mistaken for Jefferson Salamanders, but this salamander’s spots are more pronounced. Their bodies can grow to 10-14cm. 40% of this length is due to its tail, which is oval at the base and flattens out as it reaches the tip. Females are larger, but males have flatter tails.
My Hood: They live by the forested ponds around the Great Lakes. They can be found in areas from Manitoba to the Atlantic Provinces and from James Bay Ontario to New England.
How I fit in: Blue-spotted salamanders are rarely seen. They stay hidden easily because blue spots break up the outlines of their bodies. They stay covered and hunt mainly at night so they can avoid direct sunlight. They eat small invertebrates, helping to keep these populations under control. If they are spotted and feel threatened, they release a noxious liquid from their tail and make their escape.
Ross D. MacCulloch, The ROM Field Guide To Amphibians and Reptiles of Ontario. Toronto: Royal Ontario Museum and McClelland & Steward Ltd., 2002: 46-48
PURPLE Cape Blue Water lily (Nymphaea capensis)
Cape Blue Water Lily. Photo Credit: Hацку
Details: This lily produces leaves and flowers that float on water, while its roots are found on the bottom. It grows sky or deep blue, pink or light purple flowers with yellowy-orange centers. These flowers can grow 150-200mm across.
My Hood: The Cape Blue Water lily is the only indigenous water lily in South Africa and grows in its ponds, wetlands, dams and pools.
How I fit in: There is more than just beauty associated with water lilies; they also have a deadly side. Sometimes pollinating insects like to skip the pollination and just drink a plant’s nectar. However, this doesn’t fly with the Cape Blue Water lily. This plant traps pollinating insects in liquid found in the center of the flower. When the insect drowns, the pollen it was carrying gets released and falls to the bottom of the flower where the stigmas are located. This ensures that the lily gets pollinated with or without the insect’s approval!
Bill Sheat and Gerald Schofield, Complete Gardening in Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Publishers, 1995: Page 185
Kristo Pienaar, Gardening with Indigenous Plants. Cape Town: Struik Publishers, 1994: Page 91
Thomas Johannes de Jong, Petrus Gerardus and Leonardus Klinkhamer, Evolutionary Ecology of Plant Reproductive Strategies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005: Page 229
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 Grassland Biome!
To find out more about the freshwater biome check out these links:
