Energy Flow in Ecosystems

 The first energy level are the producers.  Here are some producers that are native to the area.  Producers are important not only for the energy that is passed on but also for the by product that all animals need(Oxygen).

The grasshopper is a primary consumer that uses the energy from the producer.  Insects are a very important part of the food web because they are prey for many species of consumers.  When discussing primary consumers I usually mention the role overproduction plays in the survival of different species.

This picture has two consumers in it.  The turkey is both a primary consumer(when it eats plants) and a secondary consumer(when it eats insects, etc).  Morgan is the secondary consumer and highest level of the energy flow(fried turkey for supper).  She harvested this turkey on the 12th around 3 pm. It was her first turkey.

This is where decomposers and scavengers would fit into the food chain in helping dispose of the remains.

Adaptations in Nature

Adaptations in nature show the diversity of ways that organisms have developed for their environment.

The grapevine has tendrils that are adapted to attach with great strength.  The students in class noticed how strong the attachment is. In comparison the vine growing up the tree doesn't have the strength to stay attached.  The tendrils on the vine attach to the outside of the bark and the tendrils of the grapevine wrap around. It was interesting to look closely how the tendrils attach to the different surfaces.

The grasshopper's coloration helps it blend in . The brown coloring doesn't help with this background but it did help the insect survive the early part of spring before the grass started greening up.  Another adaptation the grasshopper has is how it can cling on almost any surface. This allows it to escape predators that can't climb some of the surfaces.

The bee's coloration is a warning color and a blending color.  This picture was taken in the school yard.  The coloration is known to the students so they can stay away.  Another adaptation the bee has is the buzzing sound.  There was an episode of Scientific American Frontiers that had a segment on the buzzing and dancing of bees.  The bees give directions to a food source by the different dances.  It was a few years ago but I think you can find it on the PBS website.

Photography in Nature Scavenger Hunt

These pictures were all taken within a half mile of the school. My Ecology class took a couple of "Nature Walks" to find examples.  These pictures were all taken with cell phones.  It is important to make sure the class follows the guidelines on both field trips and using cameras in the classroom.

Lens Focus.  Camouflage was a hard one to find.  We found this cocoon on a red cedar.  This type of camouflage helps the offspring by using some of the needles to blend in.

 Perspective. Importance in Nature.  My class decided on the sun as important in nature.  The sun's energy is important in all aspects from the food webs to the weather.  This picture was taken right outside of the school building. The students liked the way the clouds made the halo around the sun.

Focus on Lighting.  Something Colorful.  This flower is almost always one of the first signs of spring.  The bright yellow is a sharp contrast to the brown leaves and grass that is still around when it blooms.  This sign of spring means that winter is just about over and the newness of spring has begun.

  Composition.  Something gross.  The students thought this was gross because of the placement on the sidewalk.  Although droppings are just a natural part of the environment most of them said this could be gross.  Just walking around the block and the school campus there were not many things that the students considered gross.

Zoom. Something small.  Can you find the bee in the picture?  The bee is small but a very important part of the food web (both for the plants and animals).  The picture could of been zoomed in a little closer but I think it shows the size of the bee in relation to the plants.

Ethics and Safety

As part of my online class Snapshot of 21st Century Nature Study, I have to create a blog following different aspects of nature.  My high school Ecology class is participating in this experience.  I have their help and input on taking photographs.
The first blog is on Ethics and Safety.  We decided to use a couple of pictures dealing with ethics.  Littering always seems to be a problem both for the aesthetic value and nature in general.  There are many different stories about how litter effects wildlife. These pictures were taken within walking distance of school and are just a couple of examples of litter.