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Common Names: Joe-Pye weeds, boneset, thoroughwort, and snakeroot

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Common Names: Joe-Pye weeds, boneset, thoroughwort, and snakeroot

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Common Name: Black Eastern Gray Squirrel

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Common Name: Black Eastern Gray Squirrel

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Prefer forested areas, parks, and suburban environments with a mix of trees for food and shelter.

They nest in tree cavities or build nests made of leaves (called dreys) in the branches.

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prefer temperate climates and are often found in forests, woodlands, along riverbanks, and in well-drained, slightly acidic soils.

They thrive in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun, especially the flowering varieties

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Primary consumers

They feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and sometimes small insects.

They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, especially for oak and walnut trees, as they bury nuts and seeds that may later grow into new plants.

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Commonly found in parts of North America, especially the eastern and midwestern United States and parts of southern Canada.

They are mostly in cities like Washington D.C., Ontario (Canada), and certain midwestern regions like Michigan and Ohio.

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Thrives in moist, fertile soils and is often found in wetlands, marshes, meadows, along streams, and other damp areas.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and is often seen in temperate regions.

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Producer

plays a key role in the ecosystem, providing nectar for pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and moths. Its seeds also provide food for some bird species.

It is particularly known for attracting monarch butterflies and other insects that rely on nectar.

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Native to North America, primarily found in the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada. It grows in temperate regions from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast.

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Thrive in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to open meadows, and are found in temperate regions. They prefer moist, well-drained soils but are adaptable to different soil types.

They grow well in full sun to partial shade and are often used in landscaping and gardens due to their attractive flowers and berries.

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Producers

offering nectar from their flowers to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Their berries are a food source for birds, and the plant’s leaves may be consumed by some insects and small herbivores.

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Native to both the Northern Hemisphere and parts of South America. They are commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia, where different species are adapted to various climates.

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Producers

They provide food for herbivores and insects (such as birds, bees, and butterflies), particularly through their berries, leaves, and flowers.

The berries are an important food source for birds and small mammals, while the flowers attract pollinators.

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Native dogwood species are primarily found in North America, Europe, and East Asia.

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Thrive in a variety of conditions but prefer moist, well-drained soils. They can grow in full sun to partial shade and are tolerant of cold climates.

These evergreens are often found in swamps, forests, and along riverbanks in their native environments. They are also popular as ornamental trees in landscapes for hedges, screens, and windbreaks.

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Producers

Their dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small mammals, and their seeds and leaves may be consumed by deer, birds, and other animals.

In ecosystems, they offer protection and serve as habitat for various species during cold winters.

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Arborvitaes are native to North America and East Asia.

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Maples prefer temperate climates and can grow in a variety of soils, from rich, moist soils to dry, rocky environments. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and are often found in forests, woodlands, and urban landscapes.

Many maple species are highly adaptable and are used as street and ornamental trees due to their hardiness and attractive foliage.

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Maples are producers in the food chain, providing food and habitat for many organisms.

Their leaves are consumed by herbivores like deer, and the seeds (samaras or "helicopters") are a food source for birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. Maples also provide nectar for bees in the early spring, as they flower early in the season.

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Maples are native to North America, Europe, and Asia.

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Poplars thrive in moist, well-drained soils and are commonly found along riverbanks, floodplains, and wetlands. They prefer full sunlight and are fast-growing but often have relatively short lifespans.

They are highly tolerant of disturbed areas and are often used in reforestation and erosion control projects.

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Poplars are producers and play an important role in the ecosystem. Their leaves, bark, and twigs are a food source for herbivores like deer, beavers, and various insects.

Poplars are also critical for stabilizing soil and providing habitat for birds and small mammals. The leaves and branches provide nesting material, while the trees themselves offer shelter and food.

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Poplars are native to the Northern Hemisphere, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia.

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Myosotis species thrive in moist, shady environments such as riverbanks, meadows, woodlands, and gardens. They prefer rich, well-drained soils and do well in temperate climates.

Some species, like Myosotis scorpioides, grow near water sources, while others, like Myosotis sylvatica, are adapted to shaded garden beds and forest floors.

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Forget-me-nots are producers, providing nectar and pollen for various insects, particularly bees and butterflies.

They also contribute to habitat biodiversity by supporting pollinators and serving as ground cover, preventing soil erosion.

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Myosotis species are native to Europe, Asia, and New Zealand, though they have been introduced and naturalized in many parts of North America.

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Planorbella species are freshwater snails typically found in ponds, lakes, marshes, slow-moving rivers, and streams. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and thrive in still or slow-flowing water bodies with a high organic content.

They are air-breathing snails (pulmonates) and can survive in low-oxygen environments by using their lungs to breathe at the water’s surface.

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Planorbella snails are primary consumers and detritivores. They feed on algae, decaying plant material, and organic debris, playing a vital role in nutrient recycling in aquatic ecosystems.

They are also a food source for fish, amphibians, birds, and other aquatic predators, making them an important part of the food web.

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Planorbella species are native to North America, particularly found throughout the United States and Canada. They are common in freshwater habitats across the continent and have been introduced to other regions.

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These gulls are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including coastal areas, inland lakes, rivers, marshes, and even urban environments. They are often associated with seashores but can thrive wherever food is abundant, including near human settlements.

They are strong flyers and can travel long distances in search of food or nesting sites.

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Large white-headed gulls are omnivorous scavengers and predators. They feed on fish, small mammals, other birds, invertebrates, and human refuse. As scavengers, they play a key role in cleaning up organic waste, but they also hunt live prey and steal food from other birds (kleptoparasitism).

They are opportunistic feeders and will exploit whatever resources are available, often seen in harbors, fishing ports, or landfills.

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Larus species are found in the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America.

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Dzivula Gube
Marine Conservationist & Underwater Photographer, Kenya

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