Natural World of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
View allAll Photos Tagged ECOSYSTEMS
A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
Music:
"Repeat" by CHRIS COMBETTE, in 'Les Enfants de Gorée' (2010)
open.spotify.com/track/5ErThqPZNKTeyITR3fYNL9?si=hRygwwzP...
Picturesque framing of a mangrove forest, one of the most productive ecosystems on earth.
The coastline of Nabq National Park is fringed by 4.8 km of mangrove forest, the most northerly and the largest in the Red Sea.
A mangrove ecosystem is characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs
adapted to thrive in salty, intertidal environments.
Mangroves have developed impressive adaptations to survive in challenging conditions, including filtration systems to manage salt intake and complex root systems that anchor them in shifting sediments.
Some of the mangroves here have completely become terrestrial and don't grow aerial roots anymore. The grey mangroves of Nabq normally build aerial roots all around them, that are able to desalinate the seawater and to absorb oxygen. They also serve as a stabilization on the muddy and soft substrate. The leafs excrete salt through special pores and keep the degree of salinity within the plant at a low level.
They play a vital role in coastal ecology by stabilizing shorelines, reducing erosion from storms and tides, and providing critical habitat and nursery grounds for a wide variety of marine organisms.
Marine life lives and breeds among the mangrove root systems, while the crowns of the mangrove form a nesting and feeding habitat for shore birds.
For those who follow me you know I love the purity and colors of glacial waters. Most rivers are brown, gray or blue. But rivers fed by glaciers are a wonderful mix of blue and green. They really stand out. And where they flow the ecosystems are spectacular and dynamic, from peaks to rivers/lakes and waterfalls. And wildlife seem to like it there as well.
So hard to pick a favorite place for these special waters, what with Banff's Lake Moraine and Louise, Yoho's Emerald Lake, Jasper's Maligne Lake and other's nearby standing out. Those are my top-spots as you've probably noticed.
Another top favorite tho is Glacier's McDonald Creek, shown here. This shallow pool caught my eye. Shot taken in the fall when flow was low, not cluttered with spring's runoff. I use a polarizer to cut the glare but other than that this is pretty true to what you'll see.
Glacier Park is also amazing for the impressive varied colors of it's rocks, of many hues and tones.
Isn't nature grand?!
Enjoy a wonderful weekend!
Dragonflies are important in wetland ecosystems, vulnerable to wetland drainage, excess nutrients, pesticides and shoreline "cleaning." They eat a broad range of insects from mosquitoes to beetles to other dragonflies. Over 60 dragonflies are found in Central Florida. Some species do not venture far from the water where they breed, while others, such as the Wandering Glider, migrate long distances.
The four-spotted pennant dragonfly is found throughout the southern tier of the United States as far west as Arizona. It's also been spotted in New Jersey. In Florida, its found in most peninsular counties, including all of South Florida, and in a few panhandle counties as far west as Leon and Wakulla. Like other dragonflies, it likes to be around lakes and ponds, since that's where it spends the first part of its life, and that's where it reproduces. The scientific name of the four-spotted pennant is brachymesia gravida. Mature individuals have a dark, slender body, a large black spot between the nodus and stigma of each wing and white stigmas (the only dragonfly with white stigmas). Juveniles are mostly orange-brown with white spots on the side of the face.
This Four-spotted Pennant is from my archives! (Hope I am right about the ID Mary)
A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil. Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally water purification, flood control, carbon sink and shoreline stability. Wetlands are also considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life. Source Wikipedia.
The Mighty Pico Paraná
I'm from São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil. Pico Paraná, Brazil's 41st tallest mountain, is a 6-hour and 41-minute drive or about 471 kilometers south of where I live.
Having scaled the 3rd to 7th highest mountains in Brazil, I can say that Pico Paraná, the 41st tallest, was by far the most challenging climb I've done so far.
I've scaled numerous mountains, from the snow-capped peaks of Africa to the technical climbs of the Andes, but nothing could have prepared me for the raw, primal challenge of Pico Paraná. Standing at a towering 1,877 meters (6,158 feet), it's the highest point in southern Brazil.
A Night to Remember I began my ascent at 11 PM on a Saturday night, aiming to catch the sunrise at 6:34 AM. Armed with nothing but determination and a headlamp, I plunged into the dense, primordial forest. The initial three hours were a relentless battle against the unforgiving terrain, as I leaped over massive, exposed tree roots and slogged through muddy trails.
A Vertical Dance As I gained altitude, the challenge intensified. The trail transformed into a series of vertical dance floors, where I navigated sheer rock faces using metal rungs and ropes. I climbed one peak after another, each offering breathtaking panoramas but demanding every ounce of my strength.
The Final Push The final ascent was the most grueling. Without a natural water source, I carried a heavy pack, and the lack of sleep was starting to take its toll. Yet, the allure of witnessing the sunrise from the summit kept me going.
Image: A close-up of the climber's hands gripping a rock face, with a backdrop of lush vegetation.
A Celestial Reward Finally, I reached the summit just in time to witness the sunrise. As the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, I stood on top of the world, overwhelmed by a sense of accomplishment. The panoramic view was nothing short of spectacular, stretching as far as the eye could see.
The descent was equally demanding, but the euphoria of reaching the summit carried me through. After 18 grueling hours, I finally made it back to the trailhead. Exhausted but elated, I knew I had conquered one of the most challenging climbs of my life.
Key Points About Pico Paraná:
*Highest point in southern Brazil: 1,877 meters (6,158 feet)
*Part of the Ibitiraquire mountain range: Known for its rugged beauty
*Demanding climb: Requires a high level of physical fitness and technical climbing skills
*Multiple summits: Including Pico Paraná, União, and Ibitirati
*Unique ecosystem: Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna
If you're seeking a truly unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend tackling Pico Paraná. Just be prepared for a challenging and rewarding experience.
PS. The photo I shared captures the moment of descending or returning from the peak, bathed in the warm glow of daylight. In contrast, the ascent of Pico Paraná was an adventure undertaken in complete darkness, guided only by the beams of our headlamps. I'll be sharing breathtaking sunrise photos from the summit very soon.
A micro-ecosystem of mushrooms and lichens nestled in the bark of a red maple tree in Eagle River, Vilas County, northern Wisconsin
SE203576m
“Urban Ecosystem Restoration” mural painted by Millo for Street Art For Mankind
From the Street Art For Mankind instagram post:
It features the artist’s signature clumsy character in a surreal setting, attempting to reclaim his space in an urban jungle that has forgotten our primary needs. It poetically and powerfully underscores the importance of green spaces in urban environments. The character demonstrates the strength of these spaces, their transformative impact on our reality, and how they enhance our well-being. It’s a clear invitation to reconnect with nature in our cities.
A bridge, and many species of birds, trees, grasses and aquatic plants in, around, and over Creekfield Lake in Brazos Bend State Park, Needville, TX.
For the Remote theme of Flickr Friday.
The Mycothera Gigantea Ecosystem is a remarkable and unique biosphere located on the alien planet Mycoterra (Planetis Mycoterra). This planet, situated in the Andromeda Galaxy, hosts an environment dominated by colossal fungal structures that form the primary vegetative landscape.
Ecosystem Overview:
The Mycothera Gigantea, named for its immense size, is the predominant species within this ecosystem. These fungal organisms can reach heights of up to 50 meters and diameters of 20 meters, creating a canopy that rivals the largest trees on Earth. The ecosystem is characterized by a dense mist that envelops the landscape, providing the necessary moisture for these fungi to thrive.
Planetary Conditions:
Mycoterra's atmosphere is rich in nitrogen and carbon dioxide, with trace amounts of oxygen, creating an environment ideal for fungal growth. The planet's gravity is slightly lower than Earth's, contributing to the towering height of the Mycothera Gigantea. Temperatures on Mycoterra average around 15°C (59°F), with high humidity levels maintained by frequent mist and light rain.
Fungal Structure:
The Mycothera Gigantea possesses a robust and intricate network of hyphae, which form a massive underground mycelium. This mycelial network connects individual fungi, facilitating nutrient exchange and communication across vast distances. The cap of the fungus, or the sporocarp, is supported by a thick stipe that can store water and nutrients, ensuring the organism's survival during drier periods.
AI creation
Gonna start a series from the Oregon coast.
Nothing quite like the sounds of flying birds and surging waves against a rocky shore. This was taken near Depoe Bay.
Mountains and their ecosystems are my primary passion but I've felt the pull of the surf more recently. Years in the Navy provided some great surf time when younger. I enjoyed a trip to the southern Oregon coast last year, which I'll post soon. Here's some from an earlier trip to the central OR coast.
Have a wonderful week!
Another coastal ecosystem resident is this Black Oystercatcher.
From the Cornell Lab:
"Among the mussel- and barnacle-covered rocks of the Pacific Coast lives this stout shorebird with a gleaming reddish bill, yellow eyes, and pink legs. Black Oystercatchers spend their entire lives in view of the Pacific Ocean or adjacent bays, in rocky marine habitats that provide both nesting and foraging areas."
This one was foraging on the jetty in Crescent City, California.
Brittle stars, an alternate common name is the 'serpent stars', are a species-rich class of echinoderms with outstanding regenerative abilities. Living under rocks or in crevices with only the tips of the arms exposed, they are known to be seafloor ecosystem engineers. They reshape the seafloor sediment surface and influence the distribution of other seafloor species. They also provide nutrition to fish, sea stars and crab predators.
Their presence in a sediment sample is one indicator of a healthy benthic community. They embody nature's fragility and resilience.
Shot from the Three Pools shoreline during low tide.
Continuing my coastal ecosystem series with this preening Brown Pelican.
Brown Pelicans live in estuaries and coastal marine habitats along both the east and west coasts. This one was found perched and preening atop a weathered wharf pole near a fish cleaning station in Lamar, Texas.
Grizzly bears often take their salmon catch into the woods to eat. Here a mother grizzly looks on as her cub eats the fish she recently caught and carried into the woods. Chilko Lake, British Columbia. The bits of fish remaining in the woods provide food and nutrients to the forest ecosystem.
25/02/2022 www.allenfotowild.com
Pokhara, Nepal
Embracing the beauty of our planet's natural jewels! Mountains, home to 15% of the world's population and half of its biodiversity hotspots, face threats like climate change, overexploitation, and contamination.
These challenges impact us all — from melting glaciers affecting freshwater supplies to rural mountain communities facing food insecurity. On International Mountain Day 2023, let's unite to restore mountain ecosystems.
Did you know mountains contribute to our food diversity? Six crucial plant species, including maize and apples, originated in these majestic landscapes. Yet, pollution, even reaching the heights of Mt. Everest, poses a grave danger.
Let's reduce our carbon footprint, spread awareness, and advocate for nature-based solutions. Join the cause and safeguard our natural treasures! #RestoreMountains #InternationalMountainDay2023
The Pine Rocklands of the Florida Keys is an unusual ecosystem, with a rock layer not far beneath the surface. In the United States, the last 2% of the original forest is found only in the National Key Deer Refuge, primarily on Big Pine Key. They are also found on some isolated locations in the Caribbean.
Slash Pine trees (Pinus ellottii), with sturdy taproots, can remain standing long after the death of a tree. So there is an eerie mix of live and dead trees in the pine rocklands. When they finally fall, decomposition is rapid, with little soil buildup. There are "holes" with ponds of fresh water that support a variety of plants and small animals. In the picture, Saw Palmetto is the primary plant in the understory, but about 250 species of plants are found in the Pine Rocklands.
It is a wonderous time of year on Vancouver Island, where all of the Garry Oak ecosystems are exploding with colour. These are Camas flowers.
The organisms in the riparian zone respond to changes in river channel location and patterns of flow. The ecosystem of rivers is generally described by the river continuum concept, which has some additions and refinements to allow for dams and waterfalls and temporary extensive flooding. The concept describes the river as a system in which the physical parameters, the availability of food particles and the composition of the ecosystem are continuously changing along its length. The food (energy) that remains from the upstream part is used downstream.
The general pattern is that the first order streams contain particulate matter (decaying leaves from the surrounding forests) which is processed there by shredders like Plecoptera larvae. The products of these shredders are used by collectors, such as Hydropsychidae, and further downstream algae that create the primary production become the main food source of the organisms. All changes are gradual and the distribution of each species can be described as a normal curve, with the highest density where the conditions are optimal. In rivers succession is virtually absent and the composition of the ecosystem stays fixed in time.
TMI: your ART & NATURE
October Contest - Fresh Water Wonder
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~ai/pixlr
Il nuovo servizio ARS Altomann gestito da Rail Traction Company / Lokomotion da Verona QE per Monaco è da poco ripartita dal passo del Brennero verso Innsbruck al traino della 189.917 ed è qui ripreso sul celebre curvone di St Jodok. (10/3/16)
The new ARS Altmann train from Verona QE to München has just letf the Brennerpass station pulled by the Br189.917. (2016/3/10)