Southern United States Ecosystem
Names: Faith Campos, Joseph Ellis, Catherine Eshewsky, Briana Leal, Carley Martin, Caroline Terry
TA: Darren Manuela
Section: 003
The Southern United States ecosystem is home to a diverse selection of organisms each with their own unique function that brings life to these environments. The Southern United States is home to many different types of ecosystems and environments including; the Appalachian Mountains, Coastal Marshes and Wetlands, Coral Reefs, Rainforests, Grasslands, Coastal Beaches, and Lakes. These environments makes it to where a diverse background of organisms can thrive. Each organism provides some form of usefulness inorder for the ecosystem to thrive.
Monarch Butterfly
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is typically vibrant orange in color which is warning of their poisonous bodies for other organisms. Monarch butterflies can be found on several continents around the world including North America, South America, Australia, and even Europe. Focusing specifically there are a large amount located in the Southern United States. These monarchs are known greatly for their bird-like migration to Mexico for the winter months.
Kudzu Bug
The Kudzu Bug is a type of insect ,native to Asia, that is a common household and farm pest in the Southeast region of the United States. They are harmless to people and pets; however, they can release bad smelling pheromones that will stain surfaces, causing issues for homeowners. They have also been found to be very harmful to soybean fields which are common in this region.
Kudzu Plant
The Kudzu plant is an aggressive growing climbing vine, native to Asia. It is now primarily located in the Southeastern US with its largest population in Alabama. This vine has the potential to overtake essential vegetation as it smothers any life it grows over and can flourish in almost any soil type. Researchers have found that the plant releases Nitrogen gas and subsequently raises ozone levels.
Ophryocystis elektroscirrha
Ophryocystis elektroscirrha is a protozoan parasite that insects butterflies in the Danaus
White Muscardine Disease
White Muscardine Disease is a disease formed from the fungi Beauveria bassiana. It makes the pray's body become calcified and drained of all of its nutrients and is left to die.
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria plays a vital role in every ecosystem, especially the Southern United States Ecosystem. Their role is to take nitrogen gas from the atmosphere ,N2, and convert it into fixed nitrogen that plants can then use to build nucleic acids and proteins. These are important aspect of building new life which is why Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria is so important.