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we can conclude from this that mangroves
are useful and we should protect them

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Indonesia: Mangrove forests help fish farmers | Global Ideas           source:youtube

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Indonesia: Mangrove forests help fish farmers | Global Ideas

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhyqxLi4NZM&t=23s

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(SCIENCE) What is a Desert Habitat? | #iQuestionPH

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Marmots are large rodents with short but robust legs and enlarged claws which are well adapted to digging.
Marmots vary in fur coloration based roughly on their surroundings. Species in more open habitat are more likely to have a paler colour
Fun fact: Marmots are the heaviest members of the squirrel family.
Their body length:42 to 72 cm
Their body mass: about 2 kg
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmot

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=LJi3EUmv4dM&feature=share
Credits UC Marin Master Gardeners

Yu Fang

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Raeden

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Wildlife typically found in and around garden ponds 

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Wildlife typically found in and around garden ponds 

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Amphibians:
. common frog ( Rana temporaia)
.common toad (bufo bufo)

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Other animals spend their larval stages in ponds, for example dragonflies and damselflies. These larvae are ferocious which have extendable hinged jaws that can shoot out to catch unsuspecting prey

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Pond life:animals that rely on this habitat

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Pond life:animals that rely on this habitat

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Some creatures spend their whole lives submerged in a pond, such as freshwater hoglice that have gills to aid their aquatic lifestyle .But ponds are typically low in dissolved oxygen, so many freshwater insects breathe air and can fly between ponds .Water scorpions use their tails like snorkels to draw air from the surface and great diving beetles carry bubbles under their wings.

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Cheng Ee Reg.no1                                    Pond habitat

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Cheng Ee Reg.no1                                    Pond habitat

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Ponds are considered to be part of the freshwater habitat which are divided into flowing water and standing water. The standing water habitat are divided into lakes , ponds , and swamps .Ponds can be even further divided into those with bare bottoms and those whose bottom contain vegetation.

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Leaf litter is made up of dead leaves and other debris that falls to the floor of a forest or in a bushland. It creates a habitat for many different animals, particularly invertebrates. As leaf litter rots it forms soil and creates nutrients for plants. It also stops soil from drying out. Animals such as spiders, centipedes and ants move over the surface of the leaf litter while seconposers such as worms and bush cockroaches tunnel through the soil or live permanently in burrows.

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The rotten log provides damp shelter and food for many plants and animals. Very tiny animals, some too small to see, live among to rotting wood, feeding on it. These are called decomposers and include earthworms, fungi, and bacteria. As the wood decays, the nutrients in the log are broken down and recycled. Living things that insects, mosses, lichens and ferns make use of these nutrients. These animals and plants are the recyclers, helping put nutrients back into the soil for other forest plants to use as they grow. Other forest creatures visit the rotting log to feed on these plants and creatures.

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When mangrove leaves fall off and start to decay on the ground, it eventually grinds up into a substance that is mostly consumed by crabs. However, mangroves are destroyed due to oil spills, littering and deforestation.

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https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-desert-definition-facts.html

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Desert Facts & Characteristics | What is a Desert? - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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What is a desert and what does it look like? Learn the desert definition, about the 5 types of deserts, some interesting desert facts and examples.

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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert

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English desert and its Romance cognates (including Italian and Portuguese deserto, French désert and Spanish desierto) all come from the ecclesiastical Latin dēsertum (originally "an abandoned place"), a participle of dēserere, "to abandon". The correlation between aridity and sparse population is complex and dynamic, varying by culture, era, and technologies; thus the use of the word desert can cause confusion.

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https://www.theschoolrun.com/homework-help/desert-habitats

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What are desert habitats?
Deserts are places that don't get much rain, and are very dry. They can be either hot places, or cold places.
Because deserts don't have much water, animals that live in the desert are able to conserve water and keep their body temperature at the right level. Both plants and animals have adapted to be able to live in the desert.

Top 10 facts

1. Land is called 'desert' if it gets less than 250mm of rain every year.

2. One-third of the land on Earth is covered in deserts!

3. Deserts can be in hot or cold.

4. The largest hot desert in the world is the Sahara Desert in Africa - it is 9.4 million square kilometres.

5. One of the largest cold deserts in the world (the Arctic deserts are the largest) is the Gobi Desert in China, which is 1.3 million square kilometres.

6. Even though deserts don't get much rain, the desert is a habitat for some plants and animals. Each species has adapted to be able to live in a range of temperatures and without much water.

7. Temperatures in hot deserts can be up to 40-45°C, and it cools down a lot at nights when the sun sets. It can even get as cold as 0°C at some times during the year. In cold deserts the average lowest temperatures can be well below 0°C.

8. Desert landscapes can be found in South America, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the United States of America and Australia.

9. In deserts, you'll usually see a lot of open soil and rocks and not much grass or other kinds of plants.

10. Animals that live in deserts include lizards, geckos, toads, jackrabbits, camels, snakes, spiders and meerkats.

Did you know?

Deserts get less than 250mm of rain every year. We get around 1,000-2,000mm of rain in the UK, so 250mm really isn't very much at all!

If you put together all the deserts on the Earth, it makes up around 33% of the Earth's surface.

Depending on where on the Earth it is, a desert can be classed as hot or cold. Hot deserts can get very, very hot during the day and especially during the summer, while cold deserts can get extremely cold in the winter. Animals who live in each kind of desert have what they need to handle either very hot or very cold weather.

The largest hot desert in the world is the Sahara Desert in Africa, and the largest (non-Arctic) cold desert is the Gobi Desert in China. Both the word 'sahara' and 'gobi' mean desert in the local languages, so they both really have the same name - Desert Desert!

The driest desert is the Atacama Desert in Chile. It only gets 1mm of rain in an entire year!

The most common thing you think of deserts having is sand, but deserts sometimes have gravel, large rocks, salt and grass.

While beaches do have sand, it doesn't make them desert - they are coastal habitats.

Plants and animals that live in the desert have had to adapt to the conditions there. This means they either don't need much water to stay alive or can conserve water very well, and that they can handle very hot and/or very cold temperatures.

Desert habitat gallery:

A map showing where you'll find deserts around the world - the darker the orange, the drier the land

A diagram showing the food chain in desert habitats - what eats what!

The Sahara Desert

The Gobi Desert

Prickly pear cactus

Barrel cactus

Palm tree

Sagebrush

Scorpion

Dromedary camel

Bactrian camel

Fennec fox

Gila monster

Iguana

Night in the desert

Pink sand dunes in Utah, USA

An African desert landscape

Gallery

About

Desert temperatures can be very extreme - hot deserts can be as hot as 40-45°C, but then cool down as far as 0°C at night. This is because there's nothing on the dry land (like tall trees) that can protect it from heating up when the sun is shining, and cooling right down when the sun sets.

Rain and snow can fall on deserts, and when it does it's usually in a very heavy storm. It can rain so much all at once in a desert that it can cause a flood.

The terrain you'll find in both hot and cold deserts includes:

Plants that grow in deserts include:

barrel cactus

camel thorn tree

elephant tree

Joshua tree

sagebrush

organ pipe cactus

palm tree

prickly pear cactus

saguaro cactus

Desert habits are difficult to live in: as well as extremes in temperature and months without rain there can be sandstorms and even flash floods! Lots of the animals living in hot deserts are nocturnal: they hide underground during the day when it is very hot and emerge at night. Most of the animals who live in the desert are insects, scorpions, reptiles and spiders. Most of the mammals who live in the desert are very small, but large mamals like camels, gazelles and donkeys have adapted to deal with the very dry conditions and can survive for long periods of time without water.

Animals that live in deserts include:

Bactrian camel (has two humps, like a sideways 'B')

bat

black widow spider

bighorn sheep

bobcat

dromedary camel (has one hump, like a sideways 'D')

quail

fennec fox

gecko

gerbil

gila monster

iguana

jack rabbit

kangaroo rat

llama

rattlesnake

roadrunner

scorpion

tarantula

vulture

wolf spider

Words to know for desert habitats:

Arid - a way to describe the dry climate in places like deserts, where there isn't much access to water

Desert - an area that gets less than 250mm of rainfall every year

Dunes - large piles of sand that look like hills; this happens because of wind or water moving the sand around

Oasis - a spot in a desert where water and plants can be found (often around a natural spring)

Related Videos

Just for fun...

The Desert Museum offers lots of desert games and interactives
Paint and make an online desert scene
Become a bilby, a rabbit-sized Australian marsupial, and race through the landscape looking for food, avoiding predators and trying not to run into rocks in an online game

Desert colouring pages to download

Play Feed the Dingo and create a balanced desert ecosystem in which each animal has enough food to survive

Complete the Sonoran Desert Seek and Find to learn about about nocturnal and diurnal animals

Watch four animations about a group of friends in Australia's outback and learn how desert plants and animals access water and beat the heat

Photograph desert plants and animals in the Australian outback in an interactive digital scavenger hunt

Make your own paper desert diorama

Show off your deserts knowledge with a CBBC deserts quiz

Can you find deserts on an interactive world map?

Children's books about desert habitats

Find out more about desert habitats

The BBC Bitesize guide to desert habitats

Read the World Wildlife Fund introduction to deserts

Links to facts about desert habitats and environments around the world

See a list of the largest deserts around the world (with size and topography details for each one)

Read desert questions and expert answers

Facts about desert animals

See an annotated cross-section of the American desert

Watch videos about desert flora and fauna

Information and pictures of Aboriginal art from the Western Desert in Australia

Find out more about the creatures who make their home in the desert

See for yourself

See photographs of Death Valley National Park in the USA

Look through a BBC deserts photo gallery

Read about a trip to the Sahara Desert, with beautiful photography

Explore the desert biome in Virtual Reality
Sahara travelling tips and advice
Also see

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Deserts are places that don't get much rain, and are very dry. They can be either hot places, or cold places. Because deserts don't have much water, animals that live in the desert are able to conserve water and keep their body temperature at the right level.

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https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/habitats/article/desert

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Deserts are the driest places on Earth—they get fewer than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain a year. Some deserts may get a lot of rain all at once. Then it might not rain again for months—or even years!

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Raeden Ong

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tropical rainforest biome has 4 main characteristics, a very high annual ranfall, high average temperature, nutrient-poor soil and high levels or biodiversity

credit: Tropical rainforest biomes (article) | Khan Academy

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Biome is another name for a distinct type of ecosystem. Biomes are characterized by their climate, which determines the particular plants found there. The climate and the plants in a biome determine what animals live there. This article addresses the climate and biodiversity of one of Earth's most diverse and iconic biomes: the tropical rainforest.

The tropical rainforest biome has four main characteristics: very high annual rainfall, high average temperatures, nutrient-poor soil, and high levels of biodiversity (species richness).

Rainfall: The word "rainforest" implies that these are the some of the world's wettest ecosystems. Rainforests generally receive very high rainfall each year, although the exact amount varies among different years and different rainforests. For example, South America's tropical rainforests receive between 200 and 300 centimeters (80 and 120 inches, or 6.5 to 10 feet!) of rain in a typical year. Despite relatively consistent rain in these ecosystems, there are distinct dry seasons in some rainforests. Wet and dry seasons of tropical rainforests vary in their timing, duration and severity around the globe. Tropical rainforests also have high humidity; about 88% during the wet season and approximately 77% in the dry season.

Temperature: Tropical rainforests are found near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer (23°27'N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23°27'S). The equator receives direct sunlight. This steady flow of radiation produces consistently high temperatures throughout the year. A typical daytime temperature any time of year in tropical rainforests is 29°C (85°F), although temperatures can be much higher. In the majority of tropical rainforests, there is only a 5°C (9°F) difference in temperature between the seasons.

Soil Composition: Since there is a tremendous amount and diversity of foliage in tropical rainforests, you might assume that rainforest soils are rich in nutrients. In fact, rainforest soils are nutrient-poor because nutrients are not stored in them for very long. The heavy rains that occur in rainforests wash organic material from the soil. Although decomposition occurs rapidly in the hot, moist conditions, many of the dead, fallen leaves and other organic detritus are swept away before releasing all of their nutrients. In addition, rainwater seeps into the ground and leaches away nutrients. Nevertheless, the high diversity of decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi accelerates the decomposition process enough that the nutrients released by decomposition are taken up quickly by the plants, instead of being stored in the soil.

Biodiversity: Tropical rainforests are areas of extremely high biodiversity compared to other ecosystems. In the topical rainforests of Borneo, scientists have documented more than 15,000 plant species, including 2,500 species of orchids! Biologists estimate that tropical rainforests contain about 50% of the world's terrestrial plant and animal species, yet they encompass only about 6% of the world's land area.

While tropical rainforests around the world have many similarities in their climates and soil composition, each regional rainforest is unique. You will not find precisely the same species living in all the tropical rainforests around the world. For example, the species in African tropical rainforests are not the same as the species living in the tropical rainforests of Central America. However, the different species play similar roles within their specific regional rainforest.

Flowering plants must be pollinated in order to reproduce. During pollination, pollen is transferred from the male reproductive organs to the female reproductive organs in the flower to form seeds. Many tropical rainforest plants rely on animals as pollinators, and attract them with a combination of flashy color displays, alluring scents, and nutritious pollen rewards. Plants also rely on animals or the wind to help disperse their seeds to new areas. This dispersal expands the distribution of the population. Many plants embed their seeds in tasty fruits. The dispersers might carry the seeds stuck on their fur or feathers, they might carry the fruit away and drop the seeds while eating the fruit, or the seeds might pass through the digestive tract of the disperser after it eats the fruit. The species that carry out these important ecological roles are different in different tropical rainforests. Below are some examples from around the world:

In Costa Rica's tropical rainforest, the kapok tree is pollinated by bats and the seeds are dispersed by wind. In the Amazon Basin, the Brazil nut tree is pollinated by orchid bees and the seeds are dispersed by agoutis, a type of large rodent native to Central and South America. In Madagascar the traveler's palm tree is pollinated by lemurs, which are small primates endemic to the island, and the seeds are dispersed by parrots. In Borneo, fig trees are pollinated by fig wasps, and the seeds are dispersed by orangutans, one of the large, great ape primates.

Images: Howler Monkey - Jason Rothmeyer, Rainforest - Neil Palmer, Orangutan - Tony Hisgett.

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Tropical rainforest biomes (article) | Khan Academy

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Biome is another name for a distinct type of ecosystem. Biomes are characterized by their climate, which determines the particular plants found there. The climate and the plants in a biome determine what animals live there. This article addresses the climate and biodiversity of one of Earth's most diverse and iconic biomes: the tropical rainforest.

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tropical rainforests cover less than 3% of the Earth but are home to more than half of our planets terrestrial animal species

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The Pindo Palm Tree, scientific name Butia capitata, is a standout amongst the most famous palms on the planet due to its staggering appearance, cold toughness, and splendid yellow organic fruits, that can be made into a jelly.  Its smooth appearances with blue-green fronds make it extraordinary for pool-side plantings, and furthermore for planter use. It is a standout amongst the most popular southern Palm Trees. The Pindo Palm can survive all the way to 80 years.

​
https://www.allaboutpalmtrees.com/pindo-palm-tree

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Bismarck palms are huge, gracious trees native to the island of Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa. If you are planting Bismarck palm trees, be sure that you reserve enough space. Each tree can grow to 60 feet (18 m.) high with a spread of 16 feet (5 m.).

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/bismarck-palm/growing-bismarck-palms.htm

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It's no wonder the scientific name of the exceptional Bismarck palm is Bismarckia nobilis. It's one of the most elegant, massive, and desirable fan palms you can plant. With a stout trunk and symmetrical crown, it makes a great focal point in your backyard.

Planting Bismarck Palm Trees

Bismarck palms are huge, gracious trees native to the island of Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa. If you are planting Bismarck palm trees, be sure that you reserve enough space. Each tree can grow to 60 feet (18 m.) high with a spread of 16 feet (5 m.).

In fact, everything about this attractive tree is oversized. The silvery-green copal mate leaves can grow to 4 feet (1 m.) wide, and it isn't unusual to see trunks as thick as 18 inches (46 cm.) in diameter. Experts do not recommend growing Bismarck palms in a small backyard since they tend to dominate the space.

Growing Bismarck palms is easiest in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, since the species can be damaged by freezing temperatures. Bismarck palm care is not difficult or time-consuming once the tree is established in an appropriate location.

Growing Bismarck Palms

Plant this stunning palm in full sun if you can, but you can succeed at growing Bismarck palms in partial sun too. Select a wind-protected area, if possible, since these trees can be injured in windstorms.

Soil type is not critical, and you'll do fine planting Bismarck palm trees in either sand or loam. Keep an eye out for soil deficiencies. When you are trying to care for a Bismarck palm tree, you will have problems if your soil lacks potassium, magnesium, or boron. If a soil test reveals a deficiency, correct it by using a controlled-release granular fertilizer of 8-2-12 plus micronutrients.

Bismarck Palm Care

Aside from mineral deficiencies, you won't have much to worry about to care for a Bismarck palm tree. Irrigation is important when the palm is young, but established palms are drought tolerant. They also resist disease and pests.

You can prune this palm during every season. However, only remove leaves that are completely dead. Cutting partially dead leaves attracts pests and depletes a palm's potassium supply.

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Guide To Planting Bismarck Palm Trees - How To Care For A Bismarck Palm Tree

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Bismarck palm care is not difficult or timeconsuming once the tree is established in an appropriate location. Look to this article for tips and information on how to grow and care for these palm trees. Click here to learn more.

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As an outdoor tree, ficus plants can be large banyan trees, fig trees, or laurel trees. Indoor varieties of ficus trees are popular plants such as the Fiddle-leaf fig, rubber plant, Audrey ficus, and the Weeping fig. The reason why indoor ficus trees are so popular is that they are very versatile and suit a wide range of interior design needs.

https://leafyplace.com/ficus-tree/

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Types of Ficus Trees: Outdoors and Indoors Ficus Plants (Pictures Included)

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Types of ficus trees for indoors and outdoors. Including ficus tree plant care (with pictures).

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Mexican poppies are a member of the poppy family Papaveraceae and is native to Texas, Mexico and central America. Mexican poppy is widely established as a weed in the tropics.

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/declared-plants/mexican-poppy-what-you-should-know

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What you should know about Mexican poppy

Mexican poppy ( Argemone ochroleuca) is a member of the poppy family Papaveraceae and is native to Texas, Mexico and central America. Mexican poppy is widely established as a weed in the tropics. It has been introduced to Queensland and New South Wales and has become a troublesome weed in parts of Western Australia.

It is a weed in Western Australia. Control methods can be found through the Mexican poppy control link. In Western Australia it is widely distributed in the pastoral areas, mainly along river systems, on moist flats and in sand dunes. It is also present in some agricultural areas, but does not compete well with crops or properly managed pastures. Another closely related species of Mexican poppy ( Argemone mexicana) is found elsewhere in Australia.

Why Mexican poppy matters to you

Mexican poppy is poisonous to stock, but few deaths occur because the plant is not readily eaten. This is due to the bitter yellow sap which makes it unpalatable to stock. Some stock have died after eating contaminated hay or chaff, and poultry have died after eating seeds. Mexican poppy seeds could be harvested with a wheat crop, thus contaminating the grain. However, the seeds are much smaller than wheat grains and can easily be removed by seed cleaning. Mexican poppy-infested grain is unsuitable for milling or stock feed.

What to look for

Mexican poppy grows up to one metre in height. It has typical poppy flowers, hollow stems and a 'pepper shaker' seed capsule. Prior to flowering it resembles a thistle because of its toothed and prickly leaves.

The plant is bluish-green or greyish-green in colour with waxy marbling to the leaves. The leaves, which grow up to 20 centimetres long, are silvery green with white veining and deep regular lobes. The upper surface of the leaf is smooth while the underside has a few prickles along the midribs. The stem leaves (in contrast to the rosette leaves) are stalkless and clasp onto the plant's stem. The stems are cylindrical, whitish in colour and have scattered prickles. When broken, the stems exude a yellowish milky sap.

The flowers are about 6cm across. They have four light yellow or cream petals surrounding a dark red, three or six-lobed stigma. After fertilisation, a prickly oblong seed capsule develops. This is up to 3.5 centimetres in length with three to six openings at the top. Each capsule contains up to 400 seeds which are round, blackish brown, and about one millimetre in diameter with a pitted seed coat and a ridge along one side.

Suspect seeds can be submitted to the DDLS - Seed testing and certification services for identification. There is a fee for this service.

A. mexicana differs from A. ochroleuca in having a greener appearance and bright yellow flowers.

Life cycle

Mexican poppy is an annual plant. In the southwest of Western Australia it usually germinates in autumn and flowers from October to November. In other parts of the State its life cycle depends mainly on the availability of moisture.

Mexican poppy reproduces only from seed. The seed can stay dormant for many years, making control difficult. Seeds are carried by stock, farm implements, vehicles, water and in wool, hay, chaff and grain. Its occasional use as a garden plant may also contribute to its spread.

What you can do about Mexican poppy

Prompt action is required to eradicate isolated patches of Mexican poppy to prevent the weed establishing in new areas of Western Australia.

Practise good biosecurity to avoid introducing Mexican poppy or other weeds to your property and to avoid poisoning livestock.

Do not allow contractors with dirty machinery to work on your property - if necessary provide a washdown area so they can clean their equipment.
Report
Control methods for this plant can be found through the APVMA website, use "mexican poppy" as the pest name.

Further information

Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G.and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western Weeds - a guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition. Weeds Society, Perth.

Parsons, W.T. and Cuthbertson, E.G. (2000) Noxious Weeds of Australia. CSIRO Publishing.

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Mexican poppy ( Argemone ochroleuca) is a member of the poppy family Papaveraceae and is native to Texas, Mexico and central America. Mexican poppy is widely established as a weed in the tropics. It has been introduced to Queensland and New South Wales and has become a troublesome weed in parts of Western Australia.

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saguaro,a large cactus species, native to Mexico and to Arizona and California in the United States. The fruits are an important food of American Indians, who also use the woody saguaro skeletons.

https://www.britannica.com/plant/saguaro

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Table of Contents

This article was most recently revised and updated by

saguaro, ( Carnegiea gigantea), also spelled sahuaro, large cactus species (family Cactaceae), native to Mexico and to Arizona and California in the United States. The fruits are an important food of American Indians, who also use the woody saguaro skeletons. Ecologically, the plants provide protective nesting sites for many species of desert birds, and the flowers are an important source of nectar for pollinating birds, insects, and bats.

Ribbed and columnar, a saguaro usually develops five or six branches at a height of about 5 metres (16 feet). Slow growing at first-it reaches only 2 cm (less than 1 inch) in height during its first 10 years-it grows approximately 10 cm (4 inches) a year after attaining a height of 2 to 3 metres (about 6.5 to 10 feet). It blooms for the first time when it is 50 to 75 years old. Mature saguaros may reach 15 metres (almost 50 feet) in height. They may die at 150 to 200 years of age, most commonly by being uprooted by wind or washouts. The shallow wide-ranging roots, adapted to gathering moisture from a large area of desert, must sometimes support up to 9,000 kg (10 tons) of top growth. The white night-blooming flowers, on top of the trunk and branches, remain open part of the next day and produce red fleshy fruits.

Melissa Petruzzello.

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Saguaro | Description, Distribution, & Facts

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saguaro, (Carnegiea gigantea), also spelled sahuaro, large cactus species (family Cactaceae), native to Mexico and to Arizona and California in the United States. The fruits are an important food of American Indians, who also use the woody saguaro skeletons.

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tumbleweed, plant that breaks away from its roots and is driven about by the wind as a light rolling mass, scattering seeds as it goes.

https://www.britannica.com/plant/tumbleweed

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Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a plant native to Mexico. Its fruit and stems are commonly eaten and used as medicine in Mexican cultures.

Prickly pear cactus might lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels by reducing how much the stomach absorbs.

People most commonly use prickly pear cactus for diabetes. It is also used for enlarged prostate, hangover, high cholesterol, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

source

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-880/prickly-pear-cactus

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Types of plants that live in the desert:

Prickly Pear Cacti

Tumbleweed

Saguaro Cactus

Mexican Poppies

Ficus

Bismarck Palmetto

Pindo Palm

https://www.twinkl.com.sg/teaching-wiki/plants-that-live-in-the-desert

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Here's a short video about the pond habitat!

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Here's a short video about the pond habitat!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAEp9YI8LXE

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Pikas have short stout bodies with big, round ears and do not have a visible tail. Pikas reach a size of about seven to 18 to 20 cm in length. The fur of a pika is thick to keep them warm in the winter. They eat dried vegetation that they stored when food was available. Generally, they feed on alpine grasses, sedges, thistles, fireweed, cushion plants and lichens.
Sources:
https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/2018/02/09/23260e2e-7077-451d-96e5-806d343dca85/pika-with-grass-in-mouth-verne-lehmberg-620.jpg

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+are+some+of+pikas%27+characteristics&rlz=1C1SQJL_enSG938SG938&oq=what+are+some+of+pikas%27+charactis&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j33i10i160.19265j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+do+pikas+in+the+alpine+tundra+eat%3F&safe=active&rlz=1C1SQJL_enSG938SG938&ei=oOv1Y_3ZNZr3z7sP36KDkAo&ved=0ahUKEwj9qZ6V86j9AhWa-3MBHV_RAKIQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=what+do+pikas+in+the+alpine+tundra+eat%3F&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIFCCEQoAEyBQghEKABOgUIABCRAjoECAAQQzoICAAQgAQQsQM6CwgAEIAEELEDEIMBOggIABCxAxCDAToHCAAQsQMQQzoFCAAQgAQ6CAgAEIAEEMkDOgUIABCxAzoICC4QgAQQ1AI6CAguELEDEIMBOgUILhCABDoHCAAQQxCRAjoJCAAQFhAeEPEEOggIABAWEB4QDzoICAAQFhAeEAo6BggAEBYQHjoLCAAQFhAeEPEEEAo6BQgAEIYDOgsIIRAWEB4Q8QQQHToICCEQFhAeEB06BQgAEKIEOgoIIRAWEB4QDxAdOgcIIRCgARAKOgQIIRAVSgQIQRgAUABY3mdgpGpoB3AAeAKAAZIEiAGjHJIBDDMyLjMuMS4xLjAuMZgBAKABAcABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

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The largest pond is as big as a lake.

There are more than 100 million ponds in the world.

Some pond habitats have brackish water conditions.

Every drop of pond water contains a microcosm of life.

Many animals need pond habitats to reproduce and mature.

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Ecologists usually describe a pond as a quiet body of water shallow enough that plants often grow all the way across it. A lake is usually larger and deeper than a pond. The definition is not precise, and what some people call a pond, others may call a lake, a wetland, or a marsh.

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Pond life is an umbrella term for all living things found in ponds. Although there is considerable overlap with the species lists for small lakes and even slow flowing rivers, pond life includes some species not found elsewhere and as an environment it represents a unique mix of species.

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Phosphorus and nitrogen are the primary nutrients found in lakes and ponds. Aquatic plants absorb nutrients through roots down in the sediments or leaves. A reduced amount of these major nutrients is considered a limiting factor that can impact healthy plant and wildlife growth.

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Pond water contains two major groups of substances as shown in the attached chart: dissolved substances made of gases, minerals and organic compounds; suspended particles made of non-living particles and very small plants and animals like plankton.

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Other animals that live in the pond habitats

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Other animals that live in the pond habitats

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Mammals such as; water voles and water shrews

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.mangroves help prevent erosion
.mangroves provide natural infrastructure
.they protect nearby populations by absorbing storm impacts

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Mangroves provide shelter, habitats, nurseries and feeding grounds for many species.

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How mangrove help against natural disasters 

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How mangrove help against natural disasters 

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Mangrove trees act as a form of defence against floods, storms, and tsunamis.

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Sea gull on seashore, Credits to Wikimedia Commons

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Sea gulls are usually found near the coast. However, they generally prefer coastal plains and often form large colonies on small islands near the coastline. They are less fond of tropical regions, but can be found there as well. The availability of food is the biggest influence on their distribution. Seagulls will follow their food source as they are opportunistic.
Sea gulls are ominivorous and their life span is about 10 to 15 years. They measure 30 - 75 cm in length and weighs up to 120 - 1750 grams. Their habitats are coastlines, bays, major lakes and urban areas and their scientific name is, Laridae.
Done by: Zi Xuan

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Tube worms are common on seashores and near mangroves. They stick out of the surface in large numbers on sand bars, flat shores and other sandy or muddy surfaces. Tube worms are found in large numbers in mounds that can be 1m or more wide in seagrass areas.
Tube worms live around along the Mid-Ocean Ridge in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. They can grow up to two meters long and ten centimeters in diameter. Their tubes are made of a hard material called chitin, where their soft body is housed.
Tube worms, who are capable of growing eight feet long, have no mouth, stomach, intestines and eyes. Their tubes are made of the same substance found in the shells of shrimps and crabs. Tube worms are discoverd in 1977.
Done by: Zi Xuan

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Sea anemone, Credits to Audubon Nature Institute

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Sea anemones are close relative of coral and jellyfish. Sea anemones are stinging polyps that spend most of their time attached to rocks on the sea bottom or on coral reefs. They usually wait for fish to pass close enough to get ensnared in their venom-filled tentacles.
Sea anemones resemble flowers, but they are actually invertebrates, which means they do not have a backbone. They are also related to corals and jellies. Their bodies consist of a soft, cylindrical stalk topped by an oral disc surrounded with venomous tentacles, which they use to trap their preys.
Sea anemones use their tentacles to sting and paralyse the shrimps, fish, and other small animals that they eat. There are more than 1,000 species of sea anemones. They live in oceans.
Done by: Zi Xuan

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- Protects vital coastal wetlands

- Essential to water quality,fisheries, and the biological diversity of coastal, nearshore and terrestrial environments.
Summary: These resources are valuable economically and environmentally.

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Mangroves trees grow along the seashores

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1. Why are rainforest habitats important?
Ans: The plants in the rainforests help to absorb the carbon dioxide in the air and release oxygen, which we depend on for survival. By absorbing the carbon dioxide in the air, the rate of global warming has decreased, and it helps to stabilise the Earth's climate.

2. What are 3 ways that we can protect the rainforests?
Ans: 1) Eliminate deforestation from your diet.
2) Buy responsibly sourced products.
3) Reduce your carbon footprint
Why? By doing so, you are playing a part in protecting the rainforests. In conclusion, Rainforests are very important to us, the organisms and the Earth, so we must protect them.

Sources: https://www.rd.com/article/what-could-happen-if-the-amazon-rainforest-disappeared/
https://rainforestfoundation.org/engage/10-things-you-can-do/

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The mightiest rainforest in the world is shrinking at an alarming rate. If it disappears altogether, the effects on our planet will be devastating.

The Amazon, a vast swath of tropical rainforest that straddles parts of Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, Venezuela-but most of all, at 60 percent, Brazil-has been losing the battle against deforestation for decades. Prior to the 1970s, in Brazil alone, it comprised 1.54 million square miles. It's been declining steadily ever since, destroyed bit by bit by illegal logging, soy plantations, and cattle ranching, according to Greenpeace. In 2018, Brazil's portion of the rainforest stood at 1.274 million square, but with a new, anti-environment government in power in the country, that figure is predicted by eco-watchers to plummet, quickly.

The Amazon holds a whopping 10 percent of all the plant and animals species known to exist on our planet. About 30 million people call it home, 2.7 million of whom are indigenous. This rainforest also stores 100 billion metric tons of carbon and, according to the World Wildlife Federation, filters carbon dioxide out of the air we breathe and controls our climate through evapotranspiration. Below, we look at what would happen if this important and powerful entity were to disappear entirely, taking the unexplained mysteries of the Amazon with it.

Faltering rainfall

A study published in 2012 in Nature showed that the Amazon was responsible for bringing rain to the surrounding region and that "Deforestation can reduce rainfall over a wide region, even as it spurs increased rainfall in the immediate area where that deforestation took place," Scientific American reports. "Deforestation in the Amazon could sharply reduce rainfall in nonforested parts of southern Brazil, a rich agricultural area, as well as Paraguay and Uruguay..." and beyond.

Increased drought

What happens with less rain? There's less water to drink, of course; a recent drought in Sao Paulo is thought to have been exacerbated by the Amazon's deforestation. Less rain also means there's less water for agriculture-ironic, since "rainfall in the Amazon also helps supply water to the very soy farmers and beef ranchers who are clearing the forest," according to National Geographic. Droughts will only worsen as more trees are cleared, threatening food and drinking water supplies.

More greenhouse gases

Cutting down any more trees in the Amazon-let alone all of them-would lead to a transition in which "tremendous quantities of planet-warming greenhouse gases" would be released, says National Geographic. As tropical forest researcher Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert told the magazine, "If we mess up with the Amazon, carbon dioxide emissions will increase so massively that everyone will suffer." Namely, with poorer air quality and hotter global temperatures.

More flooding

Already the Amazon is seeing reduced rainfall by some 25 percent in some regions, and when rains do arrive they result in massive amounts of flooding. This scenario-drier and longer dry spells followed by increasing upticks in flooding- would only intensify if the rainforest were to disappear. And not just rain but the region's the overall climate, writes National Geographic, "is oscillating more wildly...[and] the consequences will be felt far and wide."

Gustavo Frazao/Shutterstock

Loss of biodiversity

Home to a staggering number of species of plants, animals, insects, and fungi, the Amazon holds a rich array of the life that exists on Earth, and an average of one new species is being discovered each day. Already in 2012, The Guardian was ringing the alarm bell about threatened and endangered species, reporting that "many face a slow...death sentence as their breeding rates fall and competition for food becomes more intense." Destroy the Amazon and much of that diversity goes with it-wiping out an entire ecosystem at the same time. Indeed, these are some of the endangered animals that could disappear in your lifetime.

Loss of medical possibilities

Why should humans care about this loss of species? "It's kind of a cliché that the cure for cancer might be in the Amazon, but it's also kind of true," Esquivel-Muelbert told National Geographic. As Rainforest Trust highlights on its website, almost 90 percent of human diseases are treatable with prescription drugs that were derived from things in nature, like snake venom, molds, and a shrub called periwinkle-some of which have their origins in the Amazon. How many future cures will be lost with the rainforest's demise? No one knows for sure.

Bigger, longer fires

The loss of the Amazon's trees, which has sparked a loss of rain and an increase in drought conditions, has led to an increase in fires that are bigger than ever and that burn for much longer than their predecessors. These fires release even more carbon into the atmosphere, worsening some of the conditions already highlighted here, like an increasingly hotter climate.

Poorer people

The Amazon is home not only to plant and animal species but to people as well, many of whom rely on the rainforest for their livelihood. "[All of t]he world's rainforests...provide food, energy security, incomes, and medicinal plants for 300 million people," points out The Guardian. "And as the forests come down, the people who live in or around them and depend on them become impoverished. Without the forests, people migrate to cities, or move to richer countries in search of work." The loss could be similar to what was experienced at coastlines around the globe-see what the world's most polluted beaches used to look like.

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8 Things That Could Happen if the Amazon Rainforest Disappeared

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The mightiest rainforest in the world is shrinking at an alarming rate. If it disappears altogether, the effects on our planet will be devastating. The Amazon, a vast swath of tropical rainforest that straddles parts of Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, Venezuela-but most of all, at 60 percent, Brazil-has been losing the battle against deforestation for decades.

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The Kinkajou is a tropical rainforest animal of the family Procyonidae related to olingos, coatis, raccoons, and the ringtail and cacomistle. The Kinkajou's eyes reflect green or bright yellow under light. The long, thick tongue is highly extrudable, and their snouts are dark brown to black. They have claws that are sharp and short.

Sources: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/kinkajou
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkajou

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Scientific Name:

Potos flavus

Size:

Head and body: 17 to 22 inches; tail: 16 to 22 inches

Size relative to a 6-ft man:

Kinkajous live in the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they spend most of their time in the trees. They are able to turn their feet backwards to run easily in either direction along branches or up and down trunks. The kinkajou also has a prehensile (gripping) tail that it uses much like another arm. Kinkajous often hang from this incredible tail, which also aids their balance and serves as a cozy blanket while the animal sleeps high in the canopy.

Though many of its features and traits sound like those of a primate, the kinkajou is actually related to the raccoon.

Diet

Kinkajous are sometimes called honey bears because they raid bees' nests. They use their long, skinny tongues to slurp honey from a hive, and also to remove insects like termites from their nests. Kinkajous also eat fruit and small mammals, which they snare with their nimble front paws and sharp claws. They roam and eat at night, and return each morning to sleep in previously used tree holes.

Social Behavior

Kinkajous form treetop groups and share social interactions such as reciprocal grooming. They are vocal animals-though seldom seen, they are often heard screeching and barking in the tropical forest canopy.

Reproduction

Female kinkajous give birth to one offspring in spring or summer. The baby is born with its eyes shut and cannot see for a month. It develops quickly, however, and by the end of the second month, it is already able to hang upside down from its tail.

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Scientific Name: Potos flavus Size: Head and body: 17 to 22 inches; tail: 16 to 22 inches Size relative to a 6-ft man: Kinkajous live in the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they spend most of their time in the trees.

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The Boa Constrictor is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake. It is a large snake, but when compared to the reticulated python or the Burmese python, it is merely average in size. This snake has the color of brown, grey, or cream base color, patterned with brown or reddish-brown "saddles" that become more pronounced towards the tail, allowing it to camouflage with the surroundings of the rainforest habitat.

Sources: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/boa-constrictor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boa_constrictor

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Learn how this distinctively patterned snake uses its wide jaws, hooked teeth, and muscular body to swallow prey as large as wild pig whole!

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The South-American Coati, also known as the ring-tailed coati, is a member of the racoon family. The South American coati is widespread in tropical and subtropical South America and is found in the lowland forests east of the Andes as high as 2,500 m.

Sources: https://animalia.bio/south-american-coati
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_American_coati

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The Western Lowland Gorilla is a critically endangered subspecies of western gorilla alongside another subspecies. This gorilla lives in forests and lowland swamplands in Africa.

Sources: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/western-lowland-gorilla
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_lowland_gorilla

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Map data provided by IUCN.

The western lowland gorilla is the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. Populations can be found in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea as well as in large areas in Gabon and the Republic of Congo. The exact number of western lowland gorillas is not known because they inhabit some of the most dense and remote rainforests in Africa. Significant populations still exist, including in isolated swamps and the remote swampy forests of the Republic of Congo.

Western lowland gorillas can be distinguished from other gorilla subspecies by their slightly smaller size, their brown-grey coats and auburn chests. They also have wider skulls with more pronounced brow ridges and smaller ears. Large numbers have not protected the western lowland gorilla from decline. Because of poaching and disease, the gorilla's numbers have declined by more than 60% over the last 20 to 25 years. Even if all of the threats to western lowland gorillas were removed, scientists calculate that the population would require some 75 years to recover.

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The western lowland gorilla is the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. But their populations are being threatened by poaching and disease. Learn more about what WWF is doing to protect its future, and how you can help.

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The Sumatran Rhinoceros is a rare member of the family Rhinocerotidae and it is the smallest rhinoceros, although it is a large mammal. The Sumatran Rhinoceros is critically endangered, with only five substantial populations in the wild, four in Sumatra and one in Borneo. Researchers say that one of the Sumatran populations may already be extinct, and in 2015, researchers announced that the Borneo Rhinoceros had become extinct in Subah, Malaysia.

Sources: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/sumatran-rhino

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Sumatran rhinos are the smallest of the living rhinoceroses and the only Asian rhino with two horns. They are covered with long hair and are more closely related to the extinct woolly rhinos than any of the other rhino species alive today. Calves are born with a dense covering that turns reddish-brown in young adults and becomes sparse, bristly and almost black in older animals. Sumatran rhinos compete with the Javan rhino for the unenviable title of most threatened rhino species. While surviving in possibly greater numbers than the Javan rhino, Sumatran rhinos are more threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The remaining animals survive in small, fragmented non-viable populations, and with limited possibilities to find each other to breed, its population decline continues. Just two captive females have reproduced in the last 15 years.

The Sumatran rhino once roamed as far away as the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Bhutan and eastern India, through Myanmar, Thailand, possibly to Vietnam and China, and south through the Malay Peninsula. Today, the species only survives on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Experts believe the third subspecies is probably extinct.

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Sumatran rhinos are the smallest of the living rhinoceroses and the only Asian rhino with two horns. They are covered with long hair and are more closely related to the extinct woolly rhinos than any of the other rhino species alive today.

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Seagrass meadow is an underwater ecosystem  formed by seagrasses Seagrass meadows are important as they provide sheltered refuges.

Information from Google.

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Register number 35 Pearl Tay

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Grass
sedges
Non-flowering lichens

Sources:
https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/nature/alpine_tundra_ecosystem.htm#:~:text=Grasses%20and%20sedges%20are%20common,cling%20to%20rocks%20and%20soil.

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Some of us might shrug at the question and walk off. However, deserts play a part in the ecosystem.

Deserts provide many benefits that can meet the demands of both the local inhabitants and other surrounding communities. These benefits include water, food supply, medicine and raw materials.

Desert animals have been used in a variety of ways. Animals ranging from beetle larvae to large antelope have been harvested for food, clothing, weapons, and medicines. Recently, as a greater knowledge of the chemistry of some compounds produced by animals has occurred, they have found even greater use.

Besides that, if the deserts do not exist, how would scientists find out more about life on Earth? The younger generations would not be able to see them too.

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Water availability is critical in the desert and Gila Monsters are often found outside of their burrows during a spring or summer rainstorm. They can survive long periods without food by storing extra fat in their tails. They are long-lived reptiles that lay clutches of about 12 leathery shelled eggs.

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The Gila (pronounced HEE-luh) is the largest lizard native to the United States. Their black bodies are covered in beadlike scales with bright spots, blotches, or bands of pink, orange, or yellow, which probably warn other animals to stay away.

Their bulky bodies, slow-moving stride, thick forked tongue, and snorting hisses reinforce the name Gila monster. They live in the dry, arid regions such as the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan Deserts of the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico. They are named after the Arizona Gila River Basin, where they were first discovered.

Gila monsters are more likely to use their venom on a predator than on prey. They clamp their jaws down with the power of a vise grip. Then the venom in their bottom jaw flows through their grooved teeth into the victim. Although the Gila's bite is extremely painful, no human death has been reported. Gilas are sluggish creatures that feed primarily on eggs raided from bird nests and newborn mammals, such as rabbits and squirrels. They sometimes eat quail eggs whole without crushing the shells.

They spend about 95 percent of their time underground and emerge only to hunt for food or to take a sunbath. They don't need to eat very often because they can store fat in their large tails.

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The Gila monster is one of only a few poisonous lizards in the world. The Gila (pronounced HEE-luh) is the largest lizard native to the United States. Their black bodies are covered in beadlike scales with bright spots, blotches, or bands of pink, orange, or yellow, which probably warn other animals to stay away.

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Rocks provide a means of defense for the chuckwalla. When threatened, this flat-bodied lizard scurries into a crevice, gulps air to inflate its body, and wedges itself into the safety of the rocks, making it extremely difficult for a predator to remove it.

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Strictly herbivorous, the chuckwalla eats fruit, leaves, buds and flowers. When the chuckwalla senses danger, it scurries between rocks and lodges itself tightly in crevices by inflating itself. In the common chuckwalla, depending upon the population, male coloration may include black head, forelegs and upper trunk, and reddish-yellow toward the rear or a showy bright red body. Females are usually a much less showy gray or brown with little pattern. The young, however, are usually quite striking with a dark background color and yellow bands around the body and down onto the tail.

Range

Mojave and Sonoran deserts of southeastern California, southern Nevada and Utah, western Arizona and south to Sonora, Mexico and the mainland and islands of Baja.

Habitat

Open flats and rocky areas, often near large rocks and boulders.

Description

There is only one species of chuckwalla that inhabits the Southwestern deserts: the common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater). The San Esteban Island (or piebald) chuckwalla (Sauromalus varius), the largest of all the chuckwallas, inhabits only San Esteban Island and Isla Roca Lobos in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). The piebald chuckwalla has a gray-to-black face, with same-colored splotches over its entire body, which is tan to yellow.

There has been a study going on for years at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum involving San Esteban Island chuckwallas, where there is a large breeding colony. Among other things, the behavior and reproductive biology of these impressive lizards is being studied there.

There is another Baja Island form which is quite distinctive, Sauromalus hispidus, the spiny chuckwalla. This species lives on Isla Angel de la Guarda and several smaller islands near Bahía de Los Angeles. What makes this animal very different is its spiny tail. All other chuckwallas have a much smoother tail.

Sauromalus ater is the name presently given to all chuckwallas living in our Southwestern deserts. All of the former subspecies of S. obesus are now included in the single species, S. ater.

These large, plump lizards have loose folds of skin around the neck and shoulders. They have a thick blunt tail and grow 11 to 18 inches long. These diurnal lizards emerge in the morning and, before seeking food, bask in the sun until their optimum body temperature of 100 - 105 degrees F. is reached.

More - Animals - Wildlife

Jerry Feldner and A.R Royo

DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. (It's Free.)

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Strictly herbivorous, the chuckwalla eats fruit, leaves, buds and flowers. When the chuckwalla senses danger, it scurries between rocks and lodges itself tightly in crevices by inflating itself. In the common chuckwalla, depending upon the population, male coloration may include black head, forelegs and upper trunk, and reddish-yellow toward the rear or a showy bright red body.

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Armadillos - Cumberland Island National Seashore 

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The armadillo's hard-shelled exterior helps protect it from predators. Armadillos hate cold weather. Armadillos survive in the desert because they like the temperature and have a hard shell to protect them from predators.

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An armadillo standing on its back legs sniffing the air. Check out those claws!
NPS Photo

Can't touch this!

The nine-banded armadillo has an interesting defense mechanism. Most people think that armadillos curl into a ball, but the nine-banded armadillo cannot do this. Instead, when frightened, it may jump about three feet in the air. It is unable to control the direction of the movement which helps scare off predators. While this might work when dealing with predators, it often puts them in direct contact with what could be it's most dangerous threat, the bumper of an oncoming automobile.

This odd habit, coupled with the fact that it's eyes don't shine like a deer or other animal, contributes to many casualties seen on roadways. Automobile encounters are rarely an issue on the island but armadillos can fall prey to coyotes, alligators, bobcats and birds of prey. An armadillo pup is more vulnerable due to the fact that its bony armor is not as well-developed as an adult's. Prolonged cold winter weather can also affect the population. They do not have a great deal of body fat to protect them from low temperatures.

Besides humans, it is the only other host to Hansen's Disease, formerly known as leprosy. Less than twenty percent of nine-banded armadillos are estimated to be carriers and casual contact is not a risk factor. Eating undercooked meat and not adhering to sanitary handling and processing practices does pose a health threat to humans. As with all of the wildlife here on the island, armadillos should not be handled.

The nine-banded armadillo, with its unique body adaptations and seemingly unperturbed encounters with visitors, makes it one of the island's most charismatic and easily viewed animal residents.

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Armadillos - Cumberland Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

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Can't touch this! The nine-banded armadillo has an interesting defense mechanism. Most people think that armadillos curl into a ball, but the nine-banded armadillo cannot do this. Instead, when frightened, it may jump about three feet in the air. It is unable to control the direction of the movement which helps scare off predators.

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African wild dogs live in the open plains, savannas and woodlands of Africa. These areas offer them the types of prey they need to survive, as they are carnivorous pack hunters. The grasslands also have a climate that is much less harsh than that of the African deserts. African wild dogs prey on other grazing animals that live in these areas, such as the wildebeest, antelope and zebra. They can go for long periods of time without drinking water, but take advantage of water holes when they are available. These dogs will also play in the water when they can. When large animals migrate, the wild dogs rely on eating rodents, birds and insects. African wild dogs often use old aardvark holes as their dens in which to bear their young. They sleep together as a pack on the ground, as they have few natural predators.

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African wild dogs, or ‘painted dogs’, are an endangered species of wild dog. The primary reason they are endangered is habitat loss from human development

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Desert Mammals

African Wild Dog.

Arabian Wildcat.

Armadillo.

Ankole Longhorn Cattle.

Badger.

Bats.

Bighorn Sheep.

Bear (Black)

Reptiles include rattlesnakes of various species, chuckwalla lizards, horned toads, Gila monsters, whiptail lizards, and desert tortoises.

Desert Birds & Adaptations

Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) ...

Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer) ...

Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) ...

Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) ...

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) ...

Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) ...

Hwamei (Garrulax canorus)

There are many different types of desert plants, including cacti, succulents, acacias, mesquite, creosote bush, and yucca. Each one has adapted in its own way to survive in the harsh desert environment. Cacti are perhaps the best-known desert plants.

etc…

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Introduction to Deserts Habitats (Clayton Ng)

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Introduction to Deserts Habitats (Clayton Ng)

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Deserts are hot and dry places. The conditions there are nearly impossible for animals to live.

AMOUNT OF WATER

10 inches

Deserts get about 250 millimeters (10 inches) of rain per year—the least amount of rain of all of the biomes.

TEMPERATURE

During the day, desert temperatures rise to an average of 38°C (a little over 100°F). At night, desert temperatures fall to an average of -3.9°C (about 25°F).

Despite these conditions, some animals managed to survive. Let’s take a closer look at them.

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Deserts are one of the many different types of terrains characterized by usually inhabitable barren land. There are 4 main types of deserts: hot-and-dry (or subtropical) desert, the semiarid (or cold-winter) desert, the coastal desert, and the cold (or polar) desert.

Hot and Dry Deserts

As the name suggests, these deserts are hot and dry... they are what most people think of when they hear the word desert. Different kinds of deserts have hot and dry periods but this particular type experiences it all throughout the year.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara is an example of a hot and dry desert. They can also be found in Australia, South Asia, and Central and South America.

Rainfall is usually sparse in hot-and-dry deserts. In some instances, rain evaporates before reaching the ground. Rain occurs in short bursts that don't last very long. These deserts are also known as sub-tropical deserts.

Cold Winter Deserts

Cold winter deserts have long, dry summers and a meager amount of precipitation in the winter. Also known as semiarid deserts, they are similar in characteristics to the sub-tropical desert, however, the temperatures are usually cooler.

The Great Basin

The Great Basin, a desert located in the United States, is an example of this desert type where annual rainfall can be as low as only 2 to 4 cm (about 0.8 to 1.5 inches). The average temperature ranges between 21-27°C (70-80°F).

Coastal Deserts

These deserts have cool winters however the summers are warm. Coastal deserts are usually found in cool to warm regions. An example of this kind of desert is the Namib desert located in the African countries Angola and Namibia.

BREAKERS & DUNES

The average temperature ranges between 13 and 24° Celsius and the annual average rainfall is between 3 and 6 inches in these desert areas.

Polar Deserts

Polar deserts are the largest deserts on earth (in terms of area). These include the Antarctic Desert and Arctic Desert. The Arctic Polar Desert spans 5.4 million square miles covers parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

Part of the Arctic Desert

The Antarctic desert, on the other hand, covers the entire continent of Antarctica which is about 5.5 million square miles.

Part of the Antarctic Desert

Annual precipitation falls between 6 and 10 inches. And, as is already apparent, temperatures in these deserts are extremely cold and usually fall and stay below freezing point.

Further Reading:

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Types of Deserts - Explanation + Visual Guide

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Deserts are one of the many different types of terrains characterized by usually inhabitable barren land. There are 4 main types of deserts: hot-and-dry (or subtropical) desert, the semiarid (or cold-winter) desert, the coastal desert, and the cold (or polar) desert. As the name suggests, these deserts are hot and dry...

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The Amazon river dolphin, also known as the pink river dolphin, is classified in the family Iniidae. The Amazon river dolphin is the largest species of river dolphin, with adult male dolphins reaching up to 185 kg in weight and 2.5 m in length. This dolphin feeds on up to 53 different species of fish, shrimps, crabs and turtles such as croakers, catfish, tetras, piranhas, etc.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_river_dolphin

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Animals that live in the rainforest habitat

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Animals that live in the rainforest habitat

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Sources: https://www.activewild.com/rainforest-animals-list/

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The Tropical Rainforest Habitat has over 2000mm of rainfall every year, and the atmosphere there is hot and humid as the temperature there is, on average, about 28 degrees Celsius daily.

Sources: https://habitatsjcooper.weebly.com/tropical-rainforest.html

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XU LEYAN

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The tropical rainforest is filled with luscious plants that contribute to its thriving ecosystem, supporting one another. Ideally, many species in this humid environment need lots of moisture, warm temperatures, and a dense atmosphere.

However, if you don’t have access to these conditions naturally, you can put many species indoors. Orchids, in particular, thrive inside when they’re watered once every two weeks and placed in a partially sunny spot.

Because they create vibrant blossoms, the orchid is our favorite species from the tropical rainforest. In addition, many palm trees originate from these conditions, which would add height to many different landscapes.

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Lecythidaceae is a family of plants that are either a single or a group of trees that are native to the Amazon rainforest. They flower with red, yellow, and white flowers that sparkle in the center rounded off the foliage.

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Wettinia kalbreyeri is a genus of palms with great fanning leaves that reach upwards towards the sunlight. If you want to add structure to your landscaping, we recommend buying this plant because it will definitely stand out!

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Syagrus is a genus of palm trees with thick brown trunks that grow tall in the Amazon rainforest and are known for their beautiful flowers. These flowers are white, yellow, and orange, growing on the top of the tree in hairy formations.

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crocodiles live in magroves

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Leopoldina is a genus of plants in the family Erythroxylaceae, typically found in Brazil. They are known for their edible fruit, which is used to make alcohol, and the wood of the tree is often used for constructing furniture.

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Iriarte is a palm species that originate from the mighty Amazon rainforest, and they’re known for their very hardwood. The timber from this plant is often used to make boats, furniture, tools, and the fruit can also be eaten!

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Euterpe is a genus of palms native to the Amazon rainforest, which can grow as tall as two-story houses and create a thick liquid. This substance is beneficial for cooking, and it is also often the main ingredient for the beloved acai drink.

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Dictyocaryum is a palm species native to the Amazon rainforest, and they are known for their beneficial leaves. The foliage on this plant is very popular among the people in the area who create thatched products and delicious food with it.

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Desmoncus trees are vining palms that climb upwards in the tropical rainforest, and they’re mainly well known for their seeds. However, this plant is used to make various products, including paper, rope, and toys, and they come in an array of colors.

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Chamaedorea is a group of palms native to various tropical regions. They are known for their beautiful flowers. These flowers are usually white, yellow, or orange, and they grow on long stalks that look very exotic.

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Bactris is a species of palm that originates primarily from Central and South America, and they are known for their edible fruits. These fruits are high in calcium, vitamin C, and fiber, and they are a favorite among people in the area.

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Hancornia is a species of tree native to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru, producing fruit commonly used to make a variety of meals. This tree has very delicious fruit, and they are a favorite among the locals.