Vanna's Plant Area GR by vanna preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht en-us 2019-03-20 13:34:59 UTC 2023-04-02 13:31:03 UTC hello@padlet.com Theme 3: Assess the problem vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/343320314 In the Andes, plants tend to migrate to higher altitudes. As the first step suggests, i thing that the reason is: option 2:
"Tropical Andean trees migrate to higher altitudes where the air is cool enough to support their existence. Due to the fast climatic change they have to move faster in order to remain in equilibrium with their preferred temperatures."]]> 2019-03-20 13:43:06 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/343320314 Theme 4: Assess the problem vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/343340854 Cultivation of biofuel crops:

  • We are still strongly depended on fossil fuels and only the developed countries of the world have the technology and therefore the luxury of using green energy.
]]> 2019-03-20 14:14:04 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/343340854 General climate characteristics of Tinos and Cyclades island complex vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346098071 Tinos experiences a Mediterranean climate and has warm and dry summers and mild and wet winters. In the island you come across the etesians (also known as meltemi winds) the strong, dry north winds of the Aegean Sea, which blows from about mid-May to mid-September. They are at their strongest in the afternoon and often die down at night, but sometimes meltemi winds last for days without a break. Meltemi winds are dangerous to sailors because they come up in clear weather without warning and can blow at 7-8 Beaufort. So, it is logic that no rich flora is present in Cycladic islands!! The most dominant view, that one meets in the inland  our islands is the following: ]]> 2019-03-28 12:37:59 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346098071 Greek islands ecosystem - Introduction vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346102327 The Cycladic islands' ecosystem is relatively poor and has not much to show, for this reason I will make a presentation of ecosystems of other islands, in different regions of Greece. Highly rich flora is present in the mountaineous regions of Greece, however, there are islands with special floral species, such as Aegina, or even islands, like Thasos and Skopelos, with a relatively high plant biodiversity]]> 2019-03-28 12:46:39 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346102327 Thasos island, north Greece. vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346108067 The island of thasos is characterized as 'the green island' , because of its rich flora. Pine trees, plantains, olivetrees, as well as schrubs are found everywhere on the island. Many medicinal plants grow there, like chamomile and oregano. (https://www.thassos-view.com/el/thasos/fisi)

]]> 2019-03-28 12:57:40 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346108067 Thasos island vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346112778 'The green island']]> 2019-03-28 13:06:04 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346112778 Aegina island vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346114575 An extinct volcano constitutes two-thirds of Aegina. The northern and western sides consist of stony but fertile plains, which are well cultivated and produce luxuriant crops of grain, with some cotton, vines, almonds, olives and figs, but the most characteristic crop of Aegina today (2000s) is pistachio. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegina#Landmarks)]]> 2019-03-28 13:09:12 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346114575 Skopelos island vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346123669 Much of the island is wooded with Aleppo Pineand a small Stone Pine forest at the Koukounaries location where there is a lagoon and a popular beach. The island's forests are concentrated on the southwest and northern parts, but the presence of pine trees is prevalent throughout the island. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skiathos)]]> 2019-03-28 13:26:17 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346123669 Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a tyical plant, harvested in Tinos. vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346126640 Taxonomy:
Kingdom: | Plantae
Clade: | Angiosperms
Clade: | Eudicots
Clade: | Asterids
Order: | Asterales
Family: | Asteraceae
Genus: | Cynara
Species: | C. cardunculus
Variety: | C. c. var. scolymus
Trinomial name
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

Artichokes, with a high nutritional value, have been proved to be quite beneficial to human health, too. According to USDA artichokes are low in saturated fat and cholesterol while being a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.They contain vitamins which include vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B-6, B-12, A, E, D, and vitamin K. They also provide minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. Artichokes are also rich in antioxidants, thus they are considered to be valuable to cancer prevention. In addition, they help in keeping lower blood pressure, better liver condition good mineral density of bones and improved brain function. (https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-artichokes.html). ]]> 2019-03-28 13:31:29 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346126640 1. Alcoholic drink : 'Raki' vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346521453 Raki is a sweetened, often anise-flavoured, alcoholic drink that is popular in Turkey, Turkic countries, Albania, Greek Islands.
Raki is traditionally produced from raisin/grape spirit called suma that is distilled to a maximum of 94.55% abv, This spirit is not highly rectified spirit and unlike other flavored spirits Raki producers consider that the suma has an important role to play in the flavor of Raki itself. The suma, or suma mixed with highly rectified spirit, is diluted with water re-distilled with aniseed and the spirit is collected at around 79-80% abv. The flavored distillate is diluted and sweetened and rested for minimum of 30 days prior to sale in order to allow the flavors to harmonize. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rak%C4%B1).

]]> 2019-03-29 12:47:51 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346521453 Christmas decoration in Greece vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346527062 Decorated ships are an old tradition in Greece where small ships were put up in homes when sailors had returned from sea voyages. However, Christmas Trees are popular in Greece. The first known Christmas tree in Greece was in 1833 and was set-up by King Otto next to a large decorated boat. Over time, especially in the late 20th century, decorated Christmas trees became more popular than decorating a boat. But now having a boat as well as a tree is becoming more popular!
A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as a spruce, pine or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance. In Greece, the most dominant plant species, that is used for Christmas decoration, with colorful bulbs and lights, is the pine tree. ]]> 2019-03-29 13:01:11 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346527062 Pine tree is the most frequently used plant for Christmas decorations vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346534049 2019-03-29 13:17:18 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346534049 Common endemic species in south Aegean vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346536199 The combination of bright sunlight, salty breeze and strong winds is the gift of
nature to the flora and fauna of the islands. Many of the known common Aegean species yield products, with high value in both nutrition and taste.
Caper or Capparis spinosa:
The plant is best known for the edible flower buds (capers), often used as a
seasoning, and the fruit (caper berries), both of which are usually consumed
pickled. Other parts of Capparis plants are used in the manufacture of
medicines and cosmetics. It is grown during summer on rocks, along the stone
land near sea with strong sun light and humidity. The Cyclades islands are the
ideal place for this plant.(https://www.academia.edu/13109934/PLANTS_AND_HERBS_OF_THE_CYCLADIC_ISLANDS_GREECE).
]]> 2019-03-29 13:21:38 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346536199 Another really common spieces in Aegean islands: Sage vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346542072 Salvia officinalis has numerous common names. Some of the best-known are sage, common sage, garden sage, golden sage, kitchen sage, true sage, culinary sage, Dalmatian sage, and broadleaf sage. Cultivated forms include purple sage and red sage. The specific epithet officinalis refers to plants with a well-established medicinal or culinary value. Salvia officinalis has been used since ancient times for warding off evil, snakebites, increasing women's fertility, and more. Theophrastus wrote about two different sages, a wild undershrub he called sphakos, and a similar cultivated plant he called elelisphakos. Pliny the Elder said the latter plant was called salvia by the Romans, and used as a diuretic, a local anesthetic for the skin, a styptic, and for other uses. (]]> 2019-03-29 13:33:31 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346542072 Thyme is another plant of Tinos, known for its pharmaceutical properties vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346547165 Taxonomy:
Kingdom: | Plantae
Clade: | Angiosperms
Clade: | Eudicots
Clade: | Asterids
Order: | Lamiales
Family: | Lamiaceae
Subfamily: | Nepetoideae
Tribe: | Mentheae
Genus: | Thymus
Type species
Thymus vulgaris

Oil of thyme, the essential oil of common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), contains 20–54% thymol. Thyme essential oil also contains a range of additional compounds, such as p-cymene, myrcene, borneol, and linalool. Thymol, an antiseptic, is an active ingredient in various commercially produced mouthwashessuch as Listerine. Before the advent of modern antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages. Thyme can either have culinary use. Thyme is sold both fresh and dried. While summer-seasonal, fresh greenhouse thyme is often available year-round. The fresh form is more flavourful, but also less convenient; storage life is rarely more than a week. However, the fresh form can last many months if carefully frozen. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyme).  ]]> 2019-03-29 13:41:15 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346547165 Theophrastus vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346688814 Theophrastus is considered to be 'the father of Botany'. He was a student of Aristotle and he has had a number of writings, considering the philosophie of science, botany, oryctology. Together with Aristotle they set up the foundations for the science of Biology. In his two writings, "Enquiry of plants", or "Historia plantarum" and "On the causes of plants", or "Causis plantarum", he described the origin of plants from seeds, he carried out germination experiments, discussed the influence of abiotic habitat factors on plants, the ecology of domestic plants, pollination of plants with the example of the fig, he invented a growth form terminology which is still valid (root, shoot). He described more than 500 species and varieties of plants from lands bordering the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He classified plants into trees, shrubs, under shrubs, and herbs. He noted that some flowers bear petals whereas others do not, and observed the different relative positions of the petals and ovary. In his work on propagation and germination, Theophrastus described the various ways in which specific plants and trees can grow: from seeds, from roots, from pieces torn off, from a branch or twig, or from a small piece of cleft wood. Opposite to Aristotle, he was precautious with 'teleology' , on the contrary, he believed in the presence 'luck' in many biological procedures.]]> 2019-03-29 19:35:48 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346688814 Climate change in my Area vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346694164 The significant weather and climatic events in Greece during 2017 are described below, with theindication that, a general rise in temperature and precipitation abnormalities is found. However, these observations are more intense in other regions of Greece, than in central Aegean.  Information on anomalies of temperature and precipitation with
respect to the monthly normal values (1971-2000) shows that, in 2017, Aegean islands of Skopelos, Alonnisos, and Evia declared a state of emergency
following serious power failures due to heavy snowfall.
February of 2017 was a warmer than average month compared to normal values of 1971-
2000, since the prevalence of southerly winds kept higher temperatures than normal. A large amount of Saharan dust was swept up into a low pressure system over north Africa
on February 21, 2017. Dust cloud reached Greece on February 24, and lasted for 2 days. 
In the month of October 2017, precipitation anomalies indicate that northeast Greece and locally Crete received a total
precipitation amount of about 2.0-2.5 times above normal values (1971-2000). Analyzing monthly temperatures, it was identified that December was a warmer than
average month. Monthly maximum temperature anomalies were positive for almost the
entire country, with values ranging from 0.2 to 3.4 °C (Figure 45). The greatest positive
anomalies were found in the northeastern regions. (Hellenic National Meteorological Service)]]> 2019-03-29 19:59:03 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346694164 2. Alcoholic drink: 'Wine vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346891947 Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented grapes. Yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol, carbon dioxide, and heat. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts produce different styles of wine. These variations result from the complex interactions between the biochemical development of the grape, the reactions involved in fermentation, the terroir, and the production process. Wine is usually made from one or more varieties of the European species Vitis vinifera, such as Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Merlot. When one of these varieties is used as the predominant grape (usually defined by law as minimums of 75% to 85%), the result is a "varietal" as opposed to a "blended" wine. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine). In Tinos, people have always been producing their own wine, but in the recent years, wine production on the island has risen up to an industrial and exporting scale. Also, the wine of Samos is really popular allover Greece. The wine of Samos is mainly produced by a grape variety, called muscat (Vitis vinifera).]]> 2019-03-31 14:04:21 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346891947 Biogeography vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346893566 According to the Biogeographical map, my plant Area is located in the Mediterranean zone. The climate is characterised by hot dry summers and humid, cool winters. It is also very capricious with sudden heavy rain or bouts of high winds such as the Sirocco and Mistral. This climate has a profound influence on the vegetation and wildlife of the region. Mediterranean wildlife and habitats are very specific as the region was not affected by the last Ice Age. The rate of endemism is exceptionally high. The Mediterranean is one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots. Climatic changes are profound in the Mediterranean climatic region with rains alternating with warm sunny days during the winter seasons. Rainfall varies from year to year and does not fall evenly. The rains do not arrive yearly at the same time or within the same interval. Temperatures also vary from year to year with winter temperatures falling to as low as zero and may rise to as high as over 50 degree C in arid areas. (https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-important-features-of-the-mediterranean-climate.html). ]]> 2019-03-31 14:19:58 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346893566 Alexander von Humboldt vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346895202 Here's an intresting video about von Humboldt, that totally deserves the view:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzakQuKqBeQ
It turns out, tha he was the first who not only studied the climatic features of each area he visited, but also, he was thinking about the one area in comparison to the others. This was fundamental for the construction of the biogeographical regions, and so, he is called as 'the father of Biogeography'.  In addition to that, he made a correlation between life and clima of each region, showing that these to are not independent, but on the contrary, they can even make us think more widely and critical about present habitats and their preservation. What is also astonishing is that his work had a strong and motivating influence on Charles Darwin, leading the latter to the journey with 'Beagle' and the conception of the theory of Evolution!His notes of high physical and biological importance are found in his book 'Cosmos'. ]]> 2019-03-31 14:32:45 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346895202 Endangered plant species vanna_preka https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346898059  In Aegean islands, a big number of plants with high pharmaceutical or culinary value are growing, so, a serious threat for some of these plants, is that they are collected in large amounts for the local markets; some of them, such as Sideritis sipylea Boiss., Origanum sipyleum L., Thymus sipyleus Boiss., are in fact listed in the book of the Red List of Threatened Species. Many species, such as Origanum vulgare L. and Paeonia mascula (L.) Mill. subsp. mascula are not yet listed but their population is in a critical condition.  A very important issue is the increased use of medicinal plants in these islands which has led to heavy pressure on the native populations of many species. The local population must acknowledge their endangerment and should cultivate them, in order to protect their populations from extinction. Sideritis sipylea Boiss. is one of the over harvested species. Habitat loss and deforestation of the islands of northern Aegean has led also to the degradation of ecosystems. (E. Axiotis et al.,  An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in the Greek Islands of north Aegean region. Frontiers in Pharmacology,  2018). 
One volunteer organization with great impact is "Archipelago". It focuses in marine mammals, marine and terrestrial conservation, in field, or conducting further laboratory research:
http://archipelago.gr/en/about-us/]]> 2019-03-31 14:56:01 UTC https://padlet.com/vanna_preka/ex44pzzb8jht/wish/346898059